Detection of multiple complicated flaw clusters by dynamic variable-node XFEM with a three-step detection algorithm

We present an efficient computational approach composed of forward and inverse analyses that can neatly capture multiple flaw clusters with high accuracy yet low computational effort. The inverse analysis consists of three continuous steps with distinct targets. Firstly, a combination of improved discrete artificial bee colony (IDABC) algorithm and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) is applied to seize sub-domains that contain flaw clusters...