Multi-scale Topology Optimization

Abstract

This paper introduces a new method for multiscale topology optimization, where the topology is optimized at two scales: the macroscale, where the structure is optimized, and the microscale, where the material is optimized. Thus, structure and material are optimized simultaneously. The method introduced in this paper can be used with any number of unique microstructures and solve a wide range of structural design problems. The problem is decomposed such that the computational demands can be maintained at a reasonable level by parallelization. Homogenization is used to compute the effective material properties of the microscale designs and a level-set topology optimization method is used at both scales. The proposed approach is demonstrated using minimum compliance and compliant mechanism design problems.