Topology and Parametric Optimization-Based Design Processes for Lightweight Structures

Abstract

<jats:p>Topology and Parametric Optimization are two of the most implemented material optimization approaches. However, it is not clear in the literature which optimization procedure, or possible combination of them, can lead to the best results based on material reduction and optimization time. In this paper, a quantitative comparison of different topology and parametric optimization design processes is conducted using three benchmark examples: A Hollow Plate, an L-Bracket, and a Messerschmitt–Bölkow–Blohm Beam (MBB-Beam). Ten different design processes that were developed in each case study resulted in 30 simulations in total. The design processes were clustered in three main design workflows: The Topology Optimization, the Parametric Optimization, and the Simultaneous Parametric and Topology Optimization. Their results were compared with respect to mass, stress, and time. The Simultaneous Parametric and Topology Optimization approach gave the lightest design solutions without compromising their initial strength but also increased the optimization time. The findings of this paper will help the designers in the pursuit of lightweight structures and will create the basis for the identification of the ideal material optimization procedure.</jats:p>

Topology-Optimization-Based Learning: A Powerful Teaching and Learning Framework under the Prism of the CDIO Approach

“…Standard 1 is considered as the foundational principle of the CDIO approach, as it provides a lifecycle context of education. The next three standards (2)(3)(4) are related to the development of an integrated curriculum that can support the CDIO Syllabus. Standards 5 and 6 describe how the ideal design and implementation experiences, as well as the students' required workspaces, should be arranged, while Standards 7 and 8 focus on the teaching and learning methods.…”

“…, n indicates the weigh factors that satisfy ∑ n i=1 w i = 1. Interested readers are directed to the works of Bendsøe and Sigmund [2] and Christensen and Klarbring [24] for more analytical calculations.…”

“…The introduction to the fundamental theory of TO could be conducted by using scientific literature about SO, such as "An Introduction to Structural Optimization" [24] and "Topology Optimization: Theory, Methods and Applications" [2]. In addition to these, the utilization of basic scripts, such as the 99-line script for TO by Sigmund [28] written in Matlab or the equivalent 200-line Python script, which can be used in open-source software, could support the theory presented in Section 3 with a numerical implementation.…”

“…Topology optimization (TO) is one of the most commonly implemented optimization categories in structural optimization (SO) [1,2]. The design domain of a structure is discretized, and then unnecessary material is either removed or moved to create a layout that meets the given objective functions and constraints of the structure.…”

Progress and recent trends in generative design

“…A basic outcome of this system is to add material where is need to be and to remove from the domain where it doesn't. GD is used today in mechanical design, architecture and civil engineering, microstructural design, smart structures, micromechanics, multiphysics and other [1][2]. As a term is the repetition of process of potential outcomes that meet certain constrains, boundary conditions.…”