Solution for Shape and Topology Optimization of Continuum Structures on CAD System

Abstract

It is difficult to make conversion between the CAD model and the finite element model for the structural optimization, and to maintain the product design intent and structural manufacturing process during the optimization process. Therefore, a novel shape and topology optimization solution for continuum structure directly on CAD system is researched. Through analyzing the characteristic of CAD model and CAE mesh model, a scheme for integrating CAD/CAE model is developed with the employment of Euler mesh and extended finite element method. Based on the material derivative method, the structural sensitivities for direct modeling operations on the CAD systems are obtained to drive the CAD solid model to optimize the structural shape and topology.Furthermore, to alleviate the dimensional effect of different design parameters, a homogenization method is devised to modify the velocity field of various parameters so as to improve the convergence rate. Two examples of three dimensional solid CAD model are conducted to verify the proposed method. The experimental results show that the optimization method is validated and efficient on the CAD system.