Topology-Optimization-Based Learning: A Powerful Teaching and Learning Framework under the Prism of the CDIO Approach

Evangelos Tyflopoulos,Cecilia Haskins,Martin Steinert

doi:10.3390/educsci11070348

Evangelos Tyflopoulos, Cecilia Haskins + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11070348

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Abstract

Topology optimization (TO) has been a useful engineering tool over the last decades. The benefits of this optimization method are several, such as the material and cost savings, the design inspiration, and the robustness of the final products. In addition, there are educational benefits. TO is a combination of mathematics, design, statics, and the finite element method (FEM); thus, it can provide an integrative multi-disciplinary knowledge foundation to undergraduate students in engineering. This paper is focused on the educational contributions from TO and identifies effective teaching methods, tools, and exercises that can be used for teaching. The result of this research is the development of an educational framework about TO based on the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate) Syllabus for CAD engineering studies at universities. TO could be easily adapted for CAD designers in every academic year as an individual course or a module of related engineering courses. Lecturers interested in the introduction of TO to their courses, as well as engineers and students interested in TO in general, could use the findings of this paper.

Highlights

Introduction to TopologyOptimization (TO)Topology optimization (TO) is one of the most commonly implemented optimization categories in structural optimization (SO) [1,2]
A designer following topology-optimization-based learning (TOBL) should be familiar with algebra, calculus, analysis, and, indisputably, geometry and topology, as these can be considered as prerequisites for computer-aided design design (CAD) and TO
The findings in this paper resulted in a novel learning and teaching framework for topology-optimizationbased learning, the TOBL framework

Summary

Introduction

Introduction to TopologyOptimization (TO)Topology optimization (TO) is one of the most commonly implemented optimization categories in structural optimization (SO) [1,2]. Bendsøe and Kikuchi [3] developed the homogenization method in order to solve the topology optimization problem. According to the homogenization theory, the design domain of a structure is discretized into unit cells. These microstructures are used in the calculation of global material properties. The solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) method [5], as well as the evolutionary structural optimization (ESO) method [6], are two notable examples of gradient-based techniques. Entific literature about SO, such as “An Introduction to Structural Optimization” to [24].

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