Extending the usability of the force-flow based topology optimization to the process of generative design

Abstract

Topology optimization and Generative Design are two methods to create volume or stiffness optimized parts and they are used more frequently nowadays. However, the specific methods are often not well described and the connection between these two is not clearly explained. In this article, a force-flow based topology optimization process has been explained in detail and extended with a function to be able to use as a Generative Design tool. The proposed algorithm has been tested on three 2D shapes and the effectiveness was evaluated. This work clarifies the vague description of theoretical solutions by presenting in detail the operation of the algorithm and bridging the lack of information that exists between the shape or topology optimization procedure and the generative design solution.