Topology optimization

Topology optimization (TO) is a mathematical method that optimizes material layout within a given design space, for a given set of loads, boundary conditions and constraints with the goal of maximizing the performance of the system. Topology optimization is different from shape optimization and sizing optimization in the sense that the design can attain any shape within the design space, instead of dealing with predefined configurations. The conventional topology optimization formulation uses a finite element method (FEM) to evaluate the design performance. The design is optimized using either gradient-based mathematical programming techniques such as the optimality criteria algorithm and the method of moving asymptotes or non gradient-based algorithms such as genetic algorithms. Topology optimization has a wide range of applications in aerospace, mechanical, bio-chemical and civil engineering. Currently, engineers mostly use topology optimization at the concept level of a design pro

About this result

This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.

Related publications (4)

Related publications

Related people

Related units

Related concepts

Related courses (3)

Related courses

Related lectures (9)

Related lectures

A new wake model and comparison of eight algorithms for layout optimization of wind farms in complex terrain

Roberto Brogna, Fernando Porté Agel

Layout optimization of wind farms constitutes an important and challenging task in complex terrain. This is especially due to the complex interactions of the boundary layer flows in complex terrain and wind turbine wakes, which renders wake modelling in complex terrain difficult. This study tackles this challenge with a new engineering wake model, which is developed by superposing a Gaussian shape wake model on top of the background flow field, assuming that the centerlines of wind turbine wakes follow the streamlines of the background flow field. The model is found to predict wind turbine wakes in complex terrain with good accuracy and at the same time it is computationally cheap to run for optimization applications. Comparisons with high fidelity simulations and field measurements for a real wind farm with 25 turbines in complex terrain demonstrate its effectiveness. A systematic comparison of eight optimization algorithms, which includes two gradient-based and six gradient-free algorithms, is also carried out for the layout optimization problem in complex terrain. To accelerate the optimization process, a double-stage approach is proposed, which optimizes the objective function first neglecting wake effects and then, in the second stage, including them. While all the tested optimization algorithms can improve the original wind farm layout, random search, local search, and pattern search are found to be the top three algorithms in terms of optimization results and computational cost.

ELSEVIER SCI LTD2020

Topology Optimization with Radial Basis Functions

Julien Hess

The purpose of this project is to perform topology optimization on the cantilever beam problem, which is a particular case of the two-dimensional elasticity problem. Based on a finite element discretization, a Matlab implementation of the elasticity problem is first presented. The Young modulus is then utilized in order to model the cavities in the beam. Finally, a topological optimization of the beam is performed by using a radial basis function approximation of the Young modulus.

2012

1990

ME-474: Numerical flow simulation

This course provides practical experience in the numerical simulation of fluid flows. Numerical methods are presented in the framework of the finite volume method. A simple solver is developed with Matlab, and a commercial software is used for more complex problems.

ME-484: Numerical methods in biomechanics

Students understand and apply numerical methods (FEM) to answer a research question in biomechanics. They know how to develop, verify and validate multi-physics and multi-scale numerical models. They can analyse and comment results in an oral presentation and a written report.

MICRO-722: 3D Printing with light

Optical aspects of 3D printing technology. This includes optical systems for scanning and excitation, photopolymers, glass and other photoactive materials, and optical components fabricated with 3D printing technology.