Variational PINNs with tree-based integration and boundary element data in the modeling of multi-phase architected materials

Abstract: The current contribution develops a Variational Physics-Informed Neural Network (VPINN)-based framework for the analysis and design of multiphase architected solids. The elaborated VPINN methodology is based on the Petrov-Galerkin approach, with a deep neural network acting as trial function and local polynomials as test functions. For the analysis, a Galerkin Boundary Element Method (GBEM) scheme is developed to generate the mechanical field data, employing solely domain boundary information. The VPINN methodology is complemented by an adaptive, tree-based integration scheme for the evaluation of the weak-form integrals. Different double-phase material architectures are considered, with the VPINNs demonstrating their ability to capture the deformation fields with considerable accuracy. Moreover, the performance enhancement by the incorporation of additional semi-analytical information at auxiliary internal points is analyzed. Tree-based integration schemes are shown to be capable of robustly capturing inner material discontinuities upon substantial computational cost reductions. The results suggest that the proposed VPINN formulation offers comparative advantages in the modeling of multiphase architected materials compared to classical PINN formulations. The analysis paves the way for the development of variational physics-informed computational models for the mechanical analysis of complex architected multiphase materials and structures.