Topology optimization in structural mechanics

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Lewiński ◽  
S. Czarnecki ◽  
G. Dzierżanowski ◽  
T. Sokół
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Domain Boundary ◽  
Material Design ◽  
Homogenization Theory ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Layout Problem ◽  
Short Introduction ◽  
Applied Loading ◽  
Free Material ◽  
Material Layout

Abstract Optimization of structural topology, called briefly: topology optimization, is a relatively new branch of structural optimization. Its aim is to create optimal structures, instead of correcting the dimensions or changing the shapes of initial designs. For being able to create the structure, one should have a possibility to handle the members of zero stiffness or admit the material of singular constitutive properties, i.e. void. In the present paper, four fundamental problems of topology optimization are discussed: Michell’s structures, two-material layout problem in light of the relaxation by homogenization theory, optimal shape design and the free material design. Their features are disclosed by presenting results for selected problems concerning the same feasible domain, boundary conditions and applied loading. This discussion provides a short introduction into current topics of topology optimization

Coupled Multi-Material and Joint Topology Optimization: A Proof of Concept

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vlad Florea ◽  
Vishrut Shah ◽  
Stephen Roper ◽  
Garrett Vierhout ◽  
Il Yong Kim
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Material Design ◽  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Manufacturing Constraints ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Efficient Design ◽  
Engineering Costs ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Material Layout

Over the past decade there has been an increasing demand for light-weight components for the automotive and aerospace industries. This has led to significant advancement in Topology Optimization methods, especially in developing new algorithms which can consider multi-material design. While Multi-Material Topology Optimization (MMTO) can be used to determine the optimum material layout and choice for a given engineering design problem, it fails to consider practical manufacturing constraints. One such constraint is the practical joining of multi-component designs. In this paper, a new method will be proposed for simultaneously performing MMTO and Joint Topology Optimization (JTO). This algorithm will use a serial approach to loop through the MMTO and JTO phases to obtain a truly optimum design which considers both aspects. A case study is performed on an automotive ladder frame chassis component as a proof of concept for the proposed approach. Two loops of the proposed process resulted in a reduction of components and in the number of joints used between them. This translates into a tangible improvement in the manufacturability of the MMTO design. Ultimately, being able to consider additional manufacturing constraints in the Topology Optimization process can greatly benefit research and development efforts. A better design is reached with fewer iterations, thus driving down engineering costs. Topology Optimization can help in determining a cost effective and efficient design which address existing structural design challenges.

scholarly journals A Comprehensive Review of Isogeometric Topology Optimization: Methods, Applications and Prospects

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Gao ◽  
Mi Xiao ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Liang Gao
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Numerical Technique ◽  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Optimal Material ◽  
Material Layout

AbstractTopology Optimization (TO) is a powerful numerical technique to determine the optimal material layout in a design domain, which has accepted considerable developments in recent years. The classic Finite Element Method (FEM) is applied to compute the unknown structural responses in TO. However, several numerical deficiencies of the FEM significantly influence the effectiveness and efficiency of TO. In order to eliminate the negative influence of the FEM on TO, IsoGeometric Analysis (IGA) has become a promising alternative due to its unique feature that the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) model can be unified into a same mathematical model. In the paper, the main intention is to provide a comprehensive overview for the developments of Isogeometric Topology Optimization (ITO) in methods and applications. Finally, some prospects for the developments of ITO in the future are also presented.

Structural Topology Optimization Using Frame Elements Based on the Complementary Strain Energy Concept for Eigen-Frequency Maximization

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akihiro Takezawa ◽  
Shinji Nishiwaki ◽  
Kazuhiro Izui ◽  
Masataka Yoshimura
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Strain Energy ◽  
Optimization Procedure ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Energy Concept ◽  
Conceptual Design Phase ◽  
Complementary Strain ◽  
Topology Optimization Method

This paper discuses a new topology optimization method using frame elements for the design of mechanical structures at the conceptual design phase. The optimal configurations are determined by maximizing multiple eigen-frequencies in order to obtain the most stable structures for dynamic problems. The optimization problem is formulated using frame elements having ellipsoidal cross-sections, as the simplest case. Construction of the optimization procedure is based on CONLIN and the complementary strain energy concept. Finally, several examples are presented to confirm that the proposed method is useful for the topology optimization method discussed here.

scholarly journals An effective thermal conductivity and thermomechanical homogenization scheme for a multiscale Nb3Sn filaments

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-200
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Zhao ◽  
Guannan Wang ◽  
Qiang Chen ◽  
Libin Duan ◽  
Wenqiong Tu
Keyword(s):  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Material Design ◽  
Axial Direction ◽  
High Heat ◽  
Thermomechanical Properties ◽  
Homogenization Theory ◽  
High Heat Flux ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Hierarchical Microstructure ◽  
Thermal Conductivities

Abstract A comprehensive study of the multiscale homogenized thermal conductivities and thermomechanical properties is conducted towards the filament groups of European Advanced Superconductors (EAS) strand via the recently proposed Multiphysics Locally Exact Homogenization Theory (LEHT). The filament groups have a distinctive two-level hierarchical microstructure with a repeating pattern perpendicular to the axial direction of Nb3Sn filament. The Nb3Sn filaments are processed in a very high temperature between 600 and 700°C, while its operation temperature is extremely low, −269°C. Meanwhile, Nb3Sn may experience high heat flux due to low resistivity of Nb3Sn in the normal state. The intrinsic hierarchical microstructure of Nb3Sn filament groups and Multiphysics loading conditions make LEHT an ideal candidate to conduct the homogenized thermal conductivities and thermomechanical analysis. First, a comparison with a finite element analysis is conducted to validate effectiveness of Multiphysics LEHT and good agreement is obtained for the homogenized thermal conductivities and mechanical and thermal expansion properties. Then, the Multiphysics LEHT is applied to systematically investigate the effects of volume fraction and temperature on homogenized thermal conductivities and thermomechanical properties of Nb3Sn filaments at the microscale and mesoscale. Those homogenized properties provide a full picture for researchers or engineers to understand the Nb3Sn homogenized properties and will further facilitate the material design and application.

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