Multi-Patch Black-White Topology Optimization in Isogeometric Analysis

Abstract

Topological optimization plays a guiding role in the conceptual design process. This paper conducts research on structural topology optimization algorithm within the framework of isogeometric analysis. For multi-component structures, the Nitsche’s method is used to glue different meshes to perform isogeometric multi-patch analysis. The discrete variable topology optimization algorithm based on integer programming is adopted in order to obtain clear boundaries for topology optimization. The sensitivity filtering method based on the Helmholtz equation is employed for averaging of curved elements' sensitivities. In addition, a simple averaging method along coupling interfaces is proposed in order to ensure the material distribution across coupling areas is reasonably smooth. Finally, the performance of the algorithm is demonstrated by numerical examples, and the effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by comparing it with the results obtained by single-patch and ABAQUS cases.