Abstract

Topology optimization is a numerical method for determining optimal material distributions. Originally developed for stiffness optimization of elastic structures, the method has since then expanded to all kinds of other physics and multiphysics problems. Application areas rich on challenges are fluid and thermofluidic problems. Apart from the issues associated with efficient numerical solving of coupled fluid problems, various issues with regards to material interpolation models and boundary modelling and control provide additional challenges.

The talk will review recent activities on topology optimization of thermofluidic problems within the TopOpt group. On the parameterization side we discuss pros and cons between element-based (fictitious domain) and boundary tracking topology optimization formulations as well as comparisons between Finite Element and Lattice Boltzman formulations. On the application side we discuss recent applications within systematic design of active and passive (natural convection) cooling devices, heat exchangers, as well as simplified models for fire-protection of structures. 

Abstract

In this report we propose a stabilization method for topology optimization of planes. The method can be classified in the category of continuation methods. The new continuation method is based on using continuous of design variables (DV) defined on a set meshes different from the one used for the finite element solution. The optimization procedure stars with using a coarse DV-mesh compared to finite element one. Once the convergence is obtained in the optimizations steps, a finer DV-mesh is nominated for further steps. With such a continuation method one can control the bounds of the gradients of the DV while simultaneously smooth the values in a more logical fashion, compared to what conventional filters perform. The DV-mesh refinement can be continued until the final mesh becomes similar to the finite element mesh. Depending on the formulation and elements used for the plate problems, e.g. with Kirchhoff or Mindlin-Reissner hypothesis, the refinement may further be continued so that the DV elements become smaller than the plate elements. Application of the method is shown over a wide range of plate problems. Linear and nonlinear plate behaviors formulated by Kirchhoff or Mindlin Reissner hypothesis, while using several forms of DV, are considered to show the performance of the proposed method. As one of the main DV, density is used in a power-law approach (or in an artificial material approach). This is performed in two forms, on in obtaining the topology of Thickness is also used as a realistic design variable in order to show the performance of the method in a rather well-posed optimization problem. We have also included results from a homogenization approach. Comparison in made with conventional element/nodal based approaches using filter. The results show excellent and robust performance of the proposed method. Due to the wide range of cases studied, some inserting side conclusions are also given in this report.  

Abstract

The light-weight design of a rear bumper for a type of vehicle is taken as the research object, and multi-model and multi-objective optimization is applied to optimize the size of the rear bumper. Multi-model and multi-objective topology optimization can achieve simultaneous optimization of stiffness and modal, and obvious lightweight effect can be achieved on the premise of guaranteeing first order global mode, finger pressure stiffness and trampling stiffness, and the mass reduction of the rear bumper is 6.5％.

Abstract

This paper deals with topology optimization in plane elastic‐linear problems considering the influence of the self weight in efforts in structural elements. For this purpose it is used a numerical technique called SESO (Smooth ESO), which is based on the procedure for progressive decrease of the inefficient stiffness element contribution at lower stresses until he has no more influence. The SESO is applied with the finite element method and is utilized a triangular finite element and high order. This paper extends the technique SESO for application its self weight where the program, in computing the volume and specific weight, automatically generates a concentrated equivalent force to each node of the element. The evaluation is finalized with the definition of a model of strut‐and‐tie resulting in regions of stress concentration. Examples are presented with optimum topology structures obtaining optimal settings.

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In recent developments in the field of multi-material additive manufacturing, differences in material properties are exploited to create printed shape memory structures, which are referred to as 4D-printed structures. New printing techniques allow for deliberate introduction of prestresses in the specimen during manufacturing. This prestress is combined with a heat-induced glass transition, which lowers the materials Young's modulus. Upon the decrease in stiffness, the prestress is released, which results in the realization of a pre-programmed deformation. Coupled with the right design, this enables new functionalities. As the design of such functional multi-material structures is crucial but far from trivial, a systematic methodology is developed, where a finite element model is combined with a density-based topology optimization method to describe the material layout. The coupling between the definition of the prestress and the material interpolation function used in the topology description is addressed. The efficacy of topology optimization to design 4D-printed structures is explored by applying the methodology to a variety of design problems. Tests are performed with printed samples to calibrate the prestress and to validate the modeling approach. This study demonstrates that by combining topology optimization and 4D-printing concepts, stimuli-responsive structures with specific properties can be designed and realized.