scholarly journals CARMA—Cellular Automata with Refined Mesh Adaptation—The Easy Way of Generation of Structural Topologies

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3691
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Tajs-Zielińska ◽  
Bogdan Bochenek
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Cellular Automata ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Mesh Adaptation ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Fine Grid ◽  
Fine Mesh ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Resolution Level

This paper is focused on the development of a Cellular Automata algorithm with the refined mesh adaptation technique and the implementation of this algorithm in topology optimization problems. Traditionally, a Cellular Automaton is created based on regular discretization of the design domain into a lattice of cells, the states of which are updated by applying simple local rules. It is expected that during the topology optimization process the local rules responsible for the evaluation of cell states can drive the solution to solid/void resulting structures. In the proposed approach, the finite elements are equivalent to cells of an automaton and the states of cells are represented by design variables. While optimizing engineering structural elements, the important issue is to obtain well-defined solutions: in particular, topologies with smooth boundaries. The quality of the structural topology boundaries depends on the resolution level of mesh discretization: the greater the number of elements in the mesh, the better the representation of the optimized structure. However, the use of fine meshes implies a high computational cost. We propose, therefore, an adaptive way to refine the mesh. This allowed us to reduce the number of design variables without losing the accuracy of results and without an excessive increase in the number of elements caused by use of a fine mesh for a whole structure. In particular, it is not necessary to cover void regions with a very fine mesh. The implementation of a fine grid is expected mainly in the so-called grey regions where it has to be decided whether a cell becomes solid or void. The benefit of the proposed approach, besides the possibility of obtaining high-resolution, sharply resolved fine optimal topologies with a relatively low computational cost, is also that the checkerboard effect, mesh dependency, and the so-called grey areas can be eliminated without using any additional filtering. Moreover, the algorithm presented is versatile, which allows its easy combination with any structural analysis solver built on the finite element method.

scholarly journals Size and Topology Optimization for Trusses with Discrete Design Variables by Improved Firefly Algorithm

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Wu ◽  
Qingpeng Li ◽  
Qingjie Hu ◽  
Andrew Borgart
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Firefly Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Discrete Variables ◽  
And Topology ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Improved Firefly Algorithm ◽  
Discrete Design Variables

Firefly Algorithm (FA, for short) is inspired by the social behavior of fireflies and their phenomenon of bioluminescent communication. Based on the fundamentals of FA, two improved strategies are proposed to conduct size and topology optimization for trusses with discrete design variables. Firstly, development of structural topology optimization method and the basic principle of standard FA are introduced in detail. Then, in order to apply the algorithm to optimization problems with discrete variables, the initial positions of fireflies and the position updating formula are discretized. By embedding the random-weight and enhancing the attractiveness, the performance of this algorithm is improved, and thus an Improved Firefly Algorithm (IFA, for short) is proposed. Furthermore, using size variables which are capable of including topology variables and size and topology optimization for trusses with discrete variables is formulated based on the Ground Structure Approach. The essential techniques of variable elastic modulus technology and geometric construction analysis are applied in the structural analysis process. Subsequently, an optimization method for the size and topological design of trusses based on the IFA is introduced. Finally, two numerical examples are shown to verify the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method by comparing with different deterministic methods.

scholarly journals Self-Directed Online Machine Learning for Topology Optimization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changyu Deng ◽  
Yizhou Wang ◽  
Can Qin ◽  
Wei Lu
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Global Optimum ◽  
Training Data ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Minimization Problems ◽  
Design Variables

Abstract Topology optimization by optimally distributing materials in a given domain requires gradient-free optimizers to solve highly complicated problems. However, with hundreds of design variables or more involved, solving such problems would require millions of Finite Element Method (FEM) calculations whose computational cost is huge and impractical. Here we report a Self-directed Online Learning Optimization (SOLO) which integrates Deep Neural Network (DNN) with FEM calculations. A DNN learns and substitutes the objective as a function of design variables. A small number of training data is generated dynamically based on the DNN's prediction of the global optimum. The DNN adapts to the new training data and gives better prediction in the region of interest until convergence. Our algorithm was tested by compliance minimization problems and fluid-structure optimization problems. It reduced the computational time by 2 ~ 5 orders of magnitude compared with directly using heuristic methods, and outperformed all state-of-the-art algorithms tested in our experiments. This approach enables solving large multi-dimensional optimization problems.

Topology Optimization of Compliant Mechanisms Using Evolutionary Algorithm With Design Geometry Encoded as a Graph

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamim Akhtar ◽  
Kang Tai ◽  
Jitendra Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Evolutionary Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Optimization Procedure ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Mutation Operators ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Straight Line

This paper describes an intuitive way of defining geometry design variables for solving structural topology optimization problems using an evolutionary algorithm (EA). The geometry representation scheme works by defining a skeleton which represents the underlying topology/connectivity of the continuum structure. As the effectiveness of any EA is highly dependent on the chromosome encoding of the design variables, the encoding used here is a graph which reflects this underlying topology so that the genetic crossover and mutation operators of the EA can recombine and preserve any desirable geometric characteristics through succeeding generations of the evolutionary process. The overall optimization procedure is applied to design a straight-line compliant mechanism : a large displacement flexural structure that generates a vertical straight line path at some point when given a horizontal straight line input displacement at another point.

scholarly journals A Firefly Algorithm Based Hybrid Method for Structural Topology Optimization

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hailu Shimels Gebremedhen ◽  
Dereje Engida Woldemichael ◽  
Fakhruldin Mohd Hashim
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Hybrid Algorithm ◽  
Firefly Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Optimality Criteria ◽  
Benchmark Problems ◽  
Material Distribution ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Weight Percentage ◽  
Design Variables

Abstract In this paper a firefly algorithm based hybrid algorithm through retaining global convergence of firefly algorithm and ability of generating connected topologies of optimality criteria (OC) method is proposed as an alternative method to solve stress-based topology optimization problems. Lower and upper limit of design variables (0 and 1) were used to find initial material distribution to initialize firefly algorithm based section of the hybrid algorithm. Input parameters, number of fireflies and number function evaluations were determined before implementation of firefly algorithm to solve formulated problems. Since direct application of firefly algorithm cannot generate connected topologies, outputs from firefly algorithm were used as an initial input material distribution for OC method. The proposed method was validated using two-dimensional benchmark problems and the results were compared with results using OC method. Weight percentage reduction, maximum stress induced, optimal material distribution and compliance were used to compare results. Results from the proposed method showed that the proposed method can generate connected topologies and generated topologies are free from interference of end users, which only dependence on boundary conditions or the design variables. From the results, the objective function (weight of the design domain) can be further reduced in the range of 5% to 15% compared to OC method.

scholarly journals A Firefly Algorithm Based Hybrid Method for Structural Topology Optimization

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hailu Shimels Gebremedhen ◽  
Dereje Engida Woldemichael ◽  
Fakhruldin Mohd Hashim
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Hybrid Algorithm ◽  
Firefly Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Optimality Criteria ◽  
Benchmark Problems ◽  
Material Distribution ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Weight Percentage ◽  
Design Variables

Abstract In this paper, a firefly algorithm based hybrid algorithm through retaining global convergence of firefly algorithm and ability to generate connected topologies of optimality criteria (OC) method is proposed as an alternative method to solve stress-based topology optimization problems. The lower and upper limit of design variables (0 and 1) were used to find initial material distribution to initialize the firefly algorithm based section of the hybrid algorithm. Input parameters, the number of fireflies, and number function evaluations were determined before the implementation of the firefly algorithm to solve formulated problems. Since the direct application of the firefly algorithm cannot generate connected topologies, outputs from the firefly algorithm were used as an initial input material distribution for the OC method. The proposed method was validated using two-dimensional benchmark problems and the results were compared with results using the OC method. Weight percentage reduction, maximum stress-induced, optimal material distribution, and compliance were used to compare results. Results from the proposed method showed that the proposed method can generate connected topologies and generated topologies are free from the interference of end-users, which only dependence on boundary conditions or the design variables. From the results, the objective function (weight of the design domain) can be further reduced in the range of 5% to 15% compared to the OC method.

scholarly journals A Firefly Algorithm Based Hybrid Method for Structural Topology Optimization

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hailu Shimels Gebremedhen ◽  
Dereje Engida Woldemichael ◽  
Fakhruldin Mohd Hashim
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Hybrid Algorithm ◽  
Firefly Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Optimality Criteria ◽  
Benchmark Problems ◽  
Material Distribution ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Weight Percentage ◽  
Design Variables

Abstract In this paper, a firefly algorithm based hybrid algorithm through retaining global convergence of firefly algorithm and ability to generate connected topologies of optimality criteria (OC) method is proposed as an alternative method to solve stress-based topology optimization problems. The lower and upper limit of design variables (0 and 1) were used to find initial material distribution to initialize the firefly algorithm based section of the hybrid algorithm. Input parameters, the number of fireflies, and the number of function evaluations were determined before the implementation of the firefly algorithm to solve formulated problems. Since the direct application of the firefly algorithm cannot generate connected topologies, outputs from the firefly algorithm were used as an initial input material distribution for the OC method. The proposed method was validated using two-dimensional benchmark problems and the results were compared with results using the OC method. Weight percentage reduction, maximum stress-induced, optimal material distribution, and compliance were used to compare results. Results from the proposed method showed that the proposed method can generate connected topologies which are free from the interference of end-users, and only depend on boundary conditions or design variables. From the results, the objective function (weight of the design domain) can be further reduced in the range of 5% to 15% compared to the OC method.

Topology and Sizing Optimization of Micromixers Using Graph-Theoretical Representation and Genetic Algorithm

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitsuo Yoshimura ◽  
Koji Shimoyama ◽  
Takashi Misaka ◽  
Shigeru Obayashi
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Kriging Model ◽  
Local Optimum ◽  
Sizing Optimization ◽  
Local Optima ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Design Variables

This paper proposes a novel approach for fluid topology optimization using genetic algorithm. In this study, the enhancement of mixing in the passive micromixers is considered. The efficient mixing is achieved by the grooves attached on the bottom of the microchannel and the optimal configuration of grooves is investigated. The grooves are represented based on the graph theory. The micromixers are analyzed by a CFD solver and the exploration by genetic algorithm is assisted by the Kriging model in order to reduce the computational cost. Three cases with different constraint and treatment for design variables are considered. In each case, GA found several local optima since the objective function is a multi-modal function and each local optimum revealed the specific characteristic for efficient mixing in micromixers. Moreover, we discuss the validity of the constraint for optimization problems. The results show a novel insight for design of micromixer and fluid topology optimization using genetic algorithm.

scholarly journals A firefly algorithm based hybrid method for structural topology optimization

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hailu Shimels Gebremedhen ◽  
Dereje Engida Woldemichael ◽  
Fakhruldin Mohd Hashim
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Hybrid Algorithm ◽  
Firefly Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Optimality Criteria ◽  
Benchmark Problems ◽  
Material Distribution ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Weight Percentage ◽  
Design Variables

AbstractIn this paper, a firefly algorithm based hybrid algorithm through retaining global convergence of firefly algorithm and ability to generate connected topologies of optimality criteria (OC) method is proposed as an alternative method to solve stress-based topology optimization problems. The lower and upper limit of design variables (0 and 1) were used to find initial material distribution to initialize the firefly algorithm based section of the hybrid algorithm. Input parameters, the number of fireflies, and the number of function evaluations were determined before the implementation of the firefly algorithm to solve formulated problems. Since the direct application of the firefly algorithm cannot generate connected topologies, outputs from the firefly algorithm were used as an initial input material distribution for the OC method. The proposed method was validated using two-dimensional benchmark problems and the results were compared with results using the OC method. Weight percentage reduction, maximum stress-induced, optimal material distribution, and compliance were used to compare results. Results from the proposed method showed that the proposed method can generate connected topologies which are free from the interference of end-users, and only depend on boundary conditions or design variables. From the results, the objective function (weight of the design domain) can be further reduced in the range of 5 to 15% compared to the OC method.

Structural topology optimization of bridge girders in cable supported bridges

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mads Baandrup ◽  
Ole Sigmund ◽  
Niels Aage
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Bridge Girders ◽  
Structural Topology ◽  
Box Girders ◽  
Box Girder ◽  
Fine Mesh ◽  
Further Development

<p>This work applies a ultra large scale topology optimization method to study the optimal structure of bridge girders in cable supported bridges.</p><p>The current classic orthotropic box girder designs are limited in further development and optimiza­ tion, and suffer from substantial fatigue issues. A great disadvantage of the orthotropic girder is the loads being carried one direction at a time, thus creating stress hot spots and fatigue problems. Hence, a new design concept has the potential to solve many of the limitations in the current state­ of-the-art.</p><p>We present a design method based on ultra large scale topology optimization. The highly detailed structures and fine mesh-discretization permitted by ultra large scale topology optimization reveal new design features and previously unseen eff ects. The results demonstrate the potential of gener­ ating completely different design solutions for bridge girders in cable supported bridges, which dif­ fer significantly from the classic orthotropic box girders.</p><p>The overall goal of the presented work is to identify new and innovative, but at the same time con­ structible and economically reasonable, solutions tobe implemented into the design of future cable supported bridges.</p>

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