On smooth or 0/1 designs of the fixed-mesh element-based topology optimization. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Xiaodong
• Is Part Of: Advances in engineering software. Volume 151(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Topology optimization -- fixed mesh -- smooth design -- 0/1 design -- floating projection; Computer-aided engineering -- Periodicals; Engineering -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Engineering -- Software -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 620.0028553
• DOI: 10.1016/j.advengsoft.2020.102942
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-9978

Abstract

Highlights: A simple element-based topology optimization is proposed. The linear ersatz material model is suitable for the fixed-mesh smooth design. A new mechanism for the formation of structural topology is introduced. The proposed algorithm can achieve a smooth or pure 0/1 design as desired. A smooth design is better than a 0/1 design in aesthetics and performance. Abstract: The traditional element-based topology optimization based on material penalization typically aims at a 0/1 design. Our numerical experiments reveal that the compliance of a smooth design is overestimated when material properties of boundary intermediate elements under the fixed-mesh finite element analysis are interpolated with a material penalization model. This paper proposes a floating projection topology optimization (FPTO) method for seeking a smooth design using the ersatz material model or a 0/1 design using a material penalization model. The proposed floating projection constraint combining with the upper and lower bounds heuristically simulates 0/1 constraints of design variables in the original discrete optimization problem. Numerical examples demonstrate the capability of the proposed element-based topology optimization approach in obtaining 0/1 or smooth designs for 2D and 3D compliance minimization problems. The proposed topology optimization approach can be easily implemented under the framework of the fixed-mesh finite element analysis and provides an alternative way to form explicit topologies of structures, especially when the ersatz material model is adopted.