Topology Optimization of Incompressible Flow Using P1 Nonconforming Finite Elements

An alternative approach for topology optimization of steady incompressible Navier-Stokes flow problems is presented by using P1 nonconforming finite elements. This study is the extended research of the earlier application of P1 nonconforming elements to topology optimization of Stokes problems. The advantages of the P1 nonconforming elements for topology optimization of incompressible materials based on locking-free property and linear shape functions are investigated if they are also valid in fluid equations with the inertia term. Compared with a mixed finite element formulation, the number of degrees of freedom of P1 nonconforming elements is reduced by using the discrete divergence-free property; the continuity equation of incompressible flow can be imposed by using the penalty method into the momentum equation. The effect of penalty parameters on the solution accuracy and proper bounds will be investigated. While nodes of most quadrilateral nonconforming elements are located at the midpoints of element edges and higher order shape functions are used, the present P1 nonconforming elements have P1, {1, x, y}, shape functions and vertex-wisely defined degrees of freedom. So its implentation is as simple as in the standard bilinear conforming elements. The effectiveness of the proposed formulation is verified by showing examples with various Reynolds numbers.