An efficient MultiGrid solver for the 3D simulation of composite materials

The subject of this paper is to present the application of MultiGrid (MG) methods in 3D composite material simulations through the solution of the elastic equations. An efficient MG solver is further developed for modeling composite structures with strong discontinuities. Different types of boundary conditions are imposed in the solver. The model is validated by comparing the MG numerical results with the theoretical results existing in the literature and Finite Element (FE) results and a good agreement is found. The potential of MG methods with respect to the homogenization process is illustrated. Then an ideal laminated structure is analyzed and a real topology is simulated for the first time by a MG model. The effect of fiber orientation, interface layer thickness, fiber layer thickness and the ratio of material properties on the surface displacement are investigated. MG results show the detailed local behavior and provide new insights into possible initiation of delamination. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.