{"title":"Neural network-augmented differentiable finite element method for boundary value problems","authors":"Xi Wang , Zhen-Yu Yin , Wei Wu , He-Hua Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2024.109783","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Classical numerical methods such as finite element method (FEM) face limitations due to their low efficiency when addressing large-scale problems. As a novel paradigm, the physics-informed neural network (PINN) has demonstrated significant potential to solve partial differential equations. However, conventional PINNs utilize meshless control at discrete sampling points, which limits their ability to effectively handle complex boundaries. Moreover, catastrophic failure may occur in the deep energy method (DEM, a specific type of PINN). To handle these challenges, this study proposes a Neural Network-augmented Differentiable Finite Element Method (NNDFEM) by combining PINN and finite element approximation. In NNDFEM, the neural network backend solely predicts nodal variables. Derivatives and complex boundary conditions can be well handled by the finite element frontend. The governing equation over the domain, Dirichlet, and Neumann boundary conditions are directly enforced on the finite element frontend. Thus, losses of boundary conditions in PINN are rendered unnecessary. The overfitting problem in DEM is also significantly mitigated. Fully connected neural network (FCNN), modified FCNN, and graph-convolutional network are tested as backends. NNDFEM circumvents nodal force calculation and matrix assembly in FEM. Functional losses of linear elasticity, finite strain nonlinear elasticity, heat conduction, and flow in porous media are validated. A systematic exploration unveils the role of 3D finite element mesh. For large-scale problems, a multi-fidelity learning strategy is employed. Thus, the three-dimensional case with over three million degrees of freedom trains well in two minutes. Benefiting from the fast inference of the neural network backend, the forward pass is 8,550 times faster than FEM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56287,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Mechanical Sciences","volume":"285 ","pages":"Article 109783"},"PeriodicalIF":7.1000,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"International Journal of Mechanical Sciences","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020740324008245","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Classical numerical methods such as finite element method (FEM) face limitations due to their low efficiency when addressing large-scale problems. As a novel paradigm, the physics-informed neural network (PINN) has demonstrated significant potential to solve partial differential equations. However, conventional PINNs utilize meshless control at discrete sampling points, which limits their ability to effectively handle complex boundaries. Moreover, catastrophic failure may occur in the deep energy method (DEM, a specific type of PINN). To handle these challenges, this study proposes a Neural Network-augmented Differentiable Finite Element Method (NNDFEM) by combining PINN and finite element approximation. In NNDFEM, the neural network backend solely predicts nodal variables. Derivatives and complex boundary conditions can be well handled by the finite element frontend. The governing equation over the domain, Dirichlet, and Neumann boundary conditions are directly enforced on the finite element frontend. Thus, losses of boundary conditions in PINN are rendered unnecessary. The overfitting problem in DEM is also significantly mitigated. Fully connected neural network (FCNN), modified FCNN, and graph-convolutional network are tested as backends. NNDFEM circumvents nodal force calculation and matrix assembly in FEM. Functional losses of linear elasticity, finite strain nonlinear elasticity, heat conduction, and flow in porous media are validated. A systematic exploration unveils the role of 3D finite element mesh. For large-scale problems, a multi-fidelity learning strategy is employed. Thus, the three-dimensional case with over three million degrees of freedom trains well in two minutes. Benefiting from the fast inference of the neural network backend, the forward pass is 8,550 times faster than FEM.
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Mechanical Sciences (IJMS) serves as a global platform for the publication and dissemination of original research that contributes to a deeper scientific understanding of the fundamental disciplines within mechanical, civil, and material engineering.
The primary focus of IJMS is to showcase innovative and ground-breaking work that utilizes analytical and computational modeling techniques, such as Finite Element Method (FEM), Boundary Element Method (BEM), and mesh-free methods, among others. These modeling methods are applied to diverse fields including rigid-body mechanics (e.g., dynamics, vibration, stability), structural mechanics, metal forming, advanced materials (e.g., metals, composites, cellular, smart) behavior and applications, impact mechanics, strain localization, and other nonlinear effects (e.g., large deflections, plasticity, fracture).
Additionally, IJMS covers the realms of fluid mechanics (both external and internal flows), tribology, thermodynamics, and materials processing. These subjects collectively form the core of the journal's content.
In summary, IJMS provides a prestigious platform for researchers to present their original contributions, shedding light on analytical and computational modeling methods in various areas of mechanical engineering, as well as exploring the behavior and application of advanced materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials processing.