Toward Concurrent Multiscale Topology Optimization for High Heat Conductive and Light Weight Structure

Abstract

Solid structures that are light and heat conductive are significant in a variety of engineering applications. We investigated multiscale topology optimization for excessive lightweight heat-conductive porous structures and introduced a mathematical optimization model formulation for concurrently optimizing the macrostructure and the constitutive pores (microstructure) to maximize the design performance. The microscale is constructed utilizing the asymptotic homogenization approach as a representative volume element. During the optimization process, the effective heat conductivity tensor of the microstructure is assessed and utilized as the heat conductivity of the macrostructure for each iteration. To address the macro and microstructure connection, a sensitivity analysis of this concurrent optimization approach was developed. Moreover, the method of introducing initial predetermined design domain was investigated to attain fin-like design in order to despite heat efficiently. Results showed very good results for attaining excessive weight reduction with attaining high heat conductivity. Moreover, the method of predetermined design domains increased the performance significantly.

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