Topology Optimization Design Research Articles

Modal analysis and lightweight design of key components of the anchor windlass

To improve the rationality of the mechanical design of traditional ship anchor windlass, based on modal analysis, lightweight research was conducted on key components. Taking the first-order natural frequency as the constraint condition, topological optimization design was carried out for the base, and size optimization design based on the response surface algorithm was carried out for the anchor chain wheel. On the premise of meeting the overall structural strength and stiffness requirements of the anchor windlass, its weight was reduced as much as possible. Through the finite element analysis and strength check of the optimized model, it was verified that the optimization results met the design requirements. The research shows that the weight reduction rate of the base reached 13.34 %, and the weight reduction rate of the anchor sprocket reached 10.5 %. After analysis and verification, the optimized structure can still meet the overall mechanical performance of the anchor windlass and achieve the expected design goal, which also provides an important reference for the structural optimization and lightweight research of other ship equipment.

Are sutural structures in biology the optimal topological design?

Are sutural structures in biology the optimal topological design?

Multi-material topology optimization design of microstructures with extreme mechanical properties

Multi-material topology optimization design of microstructures with extreme mechanical properties

Topology optimization design of regenerative cooling channels around the inserted pylon in hypersonic engine

Topology optimization design of regenerative cooling channels around the inserted pylon in hypersonic engine

Multi-condition combined topology optimization design of electric truck aluminum alloy frame based on subjective and objective interactive weights

Multi-condition combined topology optimization design of electric truck aluminum alloy frame based on subjective and objective interactive weights

Near-Isotropic, Extreme-Stiffness, Continuous 3D Mechanical Metamaterial Sequences Using Implicit Neural Representation.

Mechanical metamaterials represent a distinct category of engineered materials characterized by their tailored density distributions to have unique properties. It is challenging to create continuous density distributions to design a smooth mechanical metamaterial sequence in which each metamaterial possesses stiffness close to the theoretical limit in all directions. This study proposes three near-isotropic, extreme-stiffness, and continuous 3D mechanical metamaterial sequences by combining topology optimization and data-driven design. Through innovative structural design, the sequences achieve over 98% of the Hashin-Shtrikman upper bounds in the most unfavorable direction. This performance spans a relative density range of 0.2-1, surpassing previous designs, which fall short at medium and higher densities. Moreover, the metamaterial sequence is innovatively represented by the implicit neural function; thus, it is resolution-free to exhibit continuously varying densities. Experimental validation demonstrates the manufacturability and high stiffness of the three sequences.

Topology optimization and diverse truss designs considering nodal stability and bar buckling

Ensuring the bar stability is crucial in truss design. However, unstable nodes lacking lateral support complicate the calculation of bar buckling lengths. bar buckling constraints make the feasible region of optimization problems concave, further complicating the solution process. Moreover, traditional truss optimization methods typically yield a single optimal result, limiting the design options available to engineers. In this study, nominal disturbing load conditions are applied to the structure to eliminate unstable nodes, thereby ensuring accurate buckling length calculations. Additionally, the advanced allowable stress iteration (AASI) approach is proposed to address truss optimization problems with bar buckling constraints. To generate geometrically diverse and structurally competitive trusses, we develop a bar-length penalty (BLP) method. To validate the effectiveness of these methods, three numerical studies are presented. The results demonstrate that the proposed AASI approach produces optimized structures free from unstable nodes and bar buckling. Compared to structures optimized using the allowable stress iteration (ASI) method, which can only optimize for a single load case, those designed with the new approach maintain bar stability under all load conditions. Compared to the traditional method of increasing the cross-sectional area of unstable bars to ensure stability, much lighter trusses can be generated while maintaining the same load-bearing capacity. By applying the proposed BLP method to penalize specific bars, it is possible to achieve optimized structures with distinct topologies, similar masses, and equivalent load-carrying capacities. The proposed methods provide valuable insights for truss optimization design.

Enhancing computational efficiency in topology-optimized mode converters via dynamic update rate strategies

In the big data era, mode division multiplexing, as a technology for extended channel capacity, demonstrates potential in enhancing parallel data processing capability. Consequently, developing a compact, high-performance mode converter through efficient design methods is an urgent requirement. However, traditional design methodologies for these converters face significant computational complexities and inefficiencies. Addressing this challenge, this paper introduces a novel topology optimization design method for mode converters employing a Dynamic Adjustment of Update Rate (DAUR). This approach markedly reduces computational overhead, accelerating the design process while ensuring high performance and compactness. As a proof-of-concept, an ultra-compact dual-mode converter was designed. The DAUR method demonstrated an 80% reduction in computational time compared to traditional methods, while maintaining a compact design (only 1.4 μm × 1.4 μm) and an insertion loss under 0.68 dB across a wavelength range of 1525 nm to 1575 nm. Meanwhile, simulated inter-mode crosstalk remained below − 24 dB across a 40 nm bandwidth. A comprehensive comparison with traditional inverse design algorithms is presented, demonstrating our method’s superior efficiency and effectiveness. Our findings suggest that DAUR not only streamlines the design process but also facilitates exploration into more complex micro-nano photonic structures with reduced resource investment.

Topology optimization design and thermofluid performance analysis of li-ion battery cooling plate

Topology optimization design and thermofluid performance analysis of li-ion battery cooling plate

Multidisciplinary Optimization of Gyroid Topologies for a Cold Plate Heat Exchanger Design

Abstract The strive to reduce the environmental impact of aviation has led to electrification and increasing demand for powerful on-board power electronic systems. These high-performance electrical components are bound to produce significant amounts of low-quality heat waste that, if not dissipated properly, will lead to malfunctioning and even permanent damage. For this reason, high-performance heat exchangers (HX) represent a key enabler for future advances in aircraft systems electrification and are vital to meet net zero goals and reduce the aviation's carbon footprint. For a given volume of the exchanger, the heat flow rate can be increased by adopting more sophisticated fluid domains. However, excessive geometrical complexity will lead to an increase in pressure losses, often resulting in inhomogeneous temperature distributions. In this paper, a novel optimization procedure is employed to maximize the efficiency of a high-performance heat exchanger, while minimizing overall pressure loss and temperature gradients. The optimization is performed with full three-dimensional high-fidelity computational flow simulations. The geometry of the fluid domain is constituted by triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), with a parametrization based on thickness and aspect ratios, done by using the ntopology suite. To assess the performance gain, the topology-optimized design is compared against the datum case and a conventional serpentine design.

Directed interactive topology optimization design for multi-agent affine formation maneuver control

This paper investigates the directed interactive topology optimization design problem for multi-agent affine formation maneuver control. Firstly, considering the optimization indexes such as information interaction cost and information spreading energy consumption, a directed topology optimization model satisfying affine formation maneuver is established, including two sub-models of topology structure construction and weight allocation. Secondly, aiming at the topological structure construction for affine formation maneuver, a directed k-rooted graph detection method is proposed, which can realize the solution of d +1 -rooted constraint for directed information interaction topology, and then an improved NSGA-II topological structure construction optimization algorithm is designed. Finally, a formation of seven agents in twodimensional space is taken as an example for simulation verification. The results show that the improved topology NSGA -II topology construction optimization The algorithm has better optimization effects, can effectively provide a variety of feasible directed interactive topologies for affine formation maneuver control, and the generated interactive topology can meet the requirements of directed d +1 -rooted graph.

Topology optimization for metamaterials with negative thermal expansion coefficients using energy-based homogenization

Since the existing topology designs of negative thermal expansion metamaterials are primarily based on the asymptotic homogenization theory, this paper conducts a topology optimization method of negative thermal expansion metamaterials based on the computationally efficient energy-based homogenization for the first time. In this research, (1) a new effective thermal stress coefficient equation is pioneeringly proposed using energy-based homogenization frame, where its theoretical derivation process is presented as well as its effectiveness and computational efficiency are verified by comparative cases. Additionally, the matlab code is open-sourced for public learning. (2) A topology optimization design of both 2D and 3D metamaterials with negative thermal expansion properties is established innovatively with Discrete Material Optimization (DMO). Its advantages are illustrated compared with the convectional method and its results are validated by Finite Element Method simulations. The new methods have promising applications in the evaluation and optimization of thermal expansion properties of composites.

Current status and challenges of lightweight design and manufacturing technology for aerospace structures

Lightweight technology refers to the technology of reducing the structural mass by optimizing materials, structures and manufacturing processes while meeting the requirements of structural performance. It has become one of the key technologies for the development of the new generation of aerospace equipment. This paper first analyzes the development history of lightweight technology. Secondly, from the perspectives of design principles, composition methods and optimization methods, three types of lightweight design methods are introduced: bionic structure design, cellular structure design and efficient topology optimization design. Then, from the perspective of lightweight manufacturing processes and modes, the application of additive manufacturing, collaborative manufacturing and composite material manufacturing in lightweight manufacturing of aerospace structures is explained. Finally, the challenges and future development of lightweight technology are discussed.

3D topology optimization design of air natural convection heat transfer fins

This study focuses on the fin-tube heat exchanger and utilizes topology optimization methods to design a completely new fin structure. In this optimization process, complete Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations were used to describe the steady-state incompressible flow, and the Boussinesq model was employed to simulate natural convection. The flow equations were coupled with the heat convection–diffusion equation to achieve topology optimization for natural convection heat transfer. Topology optimization was conducted using density-based optimization methods, and interpolation was performed on the permeability and conductivity of the distributed materials. Given the initial fin structure, an interpolation progressive approach was adopted to obtain a new “ airfoil-shaped” optimized structure through density-based topology optimization method for natural convection. The new structure enhances the convective heat transfer by perforating the fins. The perforations are mainly concentrated in the central region of the heat exchanger and the upper half of the fins. The new structure, compared to the prototype structure, not only has a reduced volume but also exhibits a decrease in convective thermal resistance within a larger range of heat flux densities, as revealed by CFD simulations. Moreover, as the heat flux density increases, the rate of reduction in convective thermal resistance shows an upward trend for the new structure compared to the prototype structure.

Research on multi-objective topology optimization of unmanned sightseeing vehicle frame based on Analytic Hierarchy Process

To optimize the frame of a sightseeing vehicle, this paper proposes a multi-objective topology optimization method combining Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and topology optimization. Firstly, the edges of the unmanned sightseeing car are statically analyzed. The rectangular steel frame structure of the original frame is replaced with square plates, the basic model of the unmanned sightseeing car frame is established, and a single-objective topology optimization mathematical model of the frame is established to optimize the topology design of the frame. Then, in order to design a frame structure that meets all the working conditions at the same time, a mathematical model of multi-working condition topology optimization is established, and the weights of each working condition are determined by using AHP, and the multi-working condition topology optimization design of the frame is carried out. Finally, a comparison of the comprehensive performance of the frame before and after optimization shows that the proposed method enables the optimized frame to meet the strength requirements under various working conditions, resulting in a weight reduction of 16.5 kg.

Research on performance optimization of electrolytic cell: Non-parameter topology and parameter optimization

The technology of water electrolysis for hydrogen production converts renewable energy into hydrogen, enabling efficient storage and utilization of clean energy. The key to enabling the large-scale development of water electrolysis technology lies in enhancing the performance of electrolytic cells and minimizing energy consumption. The mastoid process structure obviously influences the electrolytic cell's flow and electrochemical performance. Therefore, this paper studied the sensitivity of the mastoid process structure to the optimization target, designed the shape topology and the parameter optimization structure, and further analyzed the influence of the two optimization methods on the flow and electrochemical performance of the electrolytic cell based on the multi-physics coupling model. The results show that under the same deformation area, the pressure drop of the topology and the parameter optimization structure is reduced by 17.17 % and 11.89 % compared with that of the original structure. The electrochemical properties were almost unaffected, and the change value was less than 0.1 %. Topology optimization design can achieve optimal performance within limited deformation constraints, and parameter optimization design is more conducive to industrial processing.

Multi-objective Topology Optimization Design for a Certain Launcher Bracket

To achieve weight reduction and enhance the firing accuracy of a specific type of launch device, the bracket was selected as the optimization subject for multi-objective topology optimization. Single-objective optimization often overlooks other influencing factors. To address the limitations of single-objective optimization, this study adopts the variable density method from the SIMP approach and proposes a multi-objective topology optimization based on compromise programming. This study, through multi-objective topology optimization of the bracket, obtained an optimized topology structure that maximizes static stiffness and the dynamic low-order natural frequencies of the launch device bracket at launch angles of 0°, 53°, and 85°, with an azimuth angle of 0°. Finally, the obtained topology structure was validated using finite element software. The design method presented in this paper not only enhanced the stiffness of the bracket structure for such launch devices and increased the first two natural frequencies of the bracket but also achieved weight reduction. The optimization design process also provides a reference for other mechanical structures.

Lightweight structure and unequal length flexible support design of a 1.3×1.2 m rectangular, horizontally supported mirror

A lightweight rectangular mirror designed for a space telescope features a lightweight structure and an innovative unequal length flexible support design. This design incorporates a three-point back support structure, which maintains the surface accuracy of the mirror assembly in a horizontal optical testing layout. The topology optimization design method is applied for the lightweight design of a SiC mirror. According to the principle that optimal gravity surface accuracy of the mirror is achieved when the pivot center of the flexible support coincides with the neutral plane of the mirror, an unequal length flexible support scheme is proposed. Furthermore, a “neck-shrinking” flexible support structure is designed to enhance the comprehensive surface quality of the mirror assembly, achieving better than λ/140 (RMS = 4.5 nm, λ=632.8nm). Following the completion of mirror polishing, an optical test system is established. The test results confirm that the surface shape accuracy satisfies the requirements of the design index. In addition, the mechanical design has been corroborated through dynamic testing.

Immune algorithm-based optimal design of collector system topology for offshore wind farm

Immune algorithm-based optimal design of collector system topology for offshore wind farm

Twice-topology optimized heat sinks for enhanced heat transfer performance: Numerical and experimental investigation

Since the heat dissipation problem is always confusing and hindering the computing power improvement of electronic chip, an effective thermal management strategy is critical to relieve these problems. In this work, a new twice topology optimization design method combining topology optimization and image processing to design heat sinks is presented, which extends topology optimization from 2Dimention (2D) to 3Dimention(3D). Firstly, on the horizontal design domain, the conventional topology optimization is conducted for the minimization of average temperature/standard deviation. Then the optimal shape of liquid domain is converted into 1D flow routine by thinning algorithm. After that, another topology optimization is performed on the flow channel cross-section plane to get the best cross-section shape of channels. The liquid domain of the final heat sink is then obtained by scanning the optimized flow channel cross-section along the 1 Dimension (1D) flow routine and solving the interference by introducing cylinder joints. Finally, two kinds of twice topology optimized heat sinks including TTOHS-1 with minimized temperature variation as optimal goal and TTOHS-2 with minimized average temperature as optimal goal are generated by combining the liquid domain and a cuboid using Boolean Operation. The performance of heat sinks is numerically investigated, and the results indicate that the thermal performance of TTOHS-1 and TTOHS-2 are much better than that of the traditional heat sink with straight channels (TSCHS). When Re = 689, the average temperature and the maximum temperature of the heat source surface of TTOHS-1 are decreased by 4.99 % and 6.29 % respectively, compared to the TSCHS. The Nusselt number is increased by 46.16 % while the thermal resistance is reduced by 33.13 %. At last, the thermal and flow performance of the TTOHS-1 is studied by conducting experiments, showing that the numerical results agree well with that of the experiment.