Optimization of multiphase structures considering damage

The present contribution deals with a gradient based optimization strategy to improve the ductility of composite structures. In order to achieve the chosen optimization goal, stiff inclusions in a soft matrix are varied in shape and location controlled by the variation of implicit level-set functions. The eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) allows the use of a fixed structured mesh. For the non-linear constitutive behaviour an isotropic damage...