View source for 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. TO 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 TO 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 TO at the concept level of a design process. Due to the free forms that naturally occur, the result is often difficult to manufacture.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Methodology and Tools to Support Knowledge Management in Topology Optimization |journal=Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=044503 |date=2010 |doi=10.1115/1.3518386 |last1=Muzzupappa |first1=Maurizio |last2=Barbieri |first2=Loris |last3=Bruno |first3=Fabio |last4=Cugini |first4=Umberto }}</ref> For that reason the result emerging from TO is often fine-tuned for manufacturability. Adding constraints to the formulation in order to [[design for manufacturability|increase the manufacturability]] is an active field of research. In some cases results from TO can be directly manufactured using [[additive manufacturing]]; TO is thus a key part of [[design for additive manufacturing]].

== Problem statement ==

A topology optimization problem can be written in the general form of an [[optimization problem]] as:

: <math>\begin{align}
&\underset{\rho}{\operatorname{minimize}} & &F = F(\mathbf{u(\rho), \rho}) =  \int_{\Omega}  f(\mathbf{u(\rho), \rho}) \mathrm{d}V \\
&\operatorname{subject\;to} 
& &G_0(\rho) = \int_{\Omega} \rho \mathrm{d}V - V_0 \leq 0 \\
&&&G_j(\mathbf{u}(\rho), \rho) \leq 0 \text{ with } j = 1, ..., m
\end{align}</math>

The problem statement includes the following:

* An [[objective function]] <math>F(\mathbf{u(\rho), \rho})</math>. This function represents the quantity that is being minimized for best performance. The most common objective function is compliance, where minimizing compliance leads to maximizing the stiffness of a structure.
* The material distribution as a problem variable. This is described by the density of the material at each location <math> \rho(\mathbf{u}) </math>. Material is either present, indicated by a 1, or absent, indicated by a 0. <math> \mathbf{u}</math> is a state field that satisfies a linear or nonlinear state equation.<ref>2</ref>
* The design space <math> (\Omega)</math>. This indicates the allowable volume within which the design can exist.  Assembly and packaging requirements, human and tool accessibility are some of the factors that need to be considered in identifying this space . With the definition of the design space, regions or components in the model that cannot be modified during the course of the optimization are considered as non-design regions.
* <math>\scriptstyle m </math> [[constraint (mathematics)|constraint]]s <math> G_j(\mathbf{u}(\rho), \rho) \leq 0 </math> a characteristic that the solution must satisfy. Examples are the maximum amount of material to be distributed (volume constraint) or maximum stress values.

Evaluating <math> \mathbf{u(\rho)} </math> often includes solving a differential equation. This is most commonly done using the [[finite element method]] since these equations do not have a known analytical solution.

== Implementation methodologies ==
There are various implementation methodologies that have been used to solve TO problems.

=== Discrete ===
Solving TO problems in a discrete sense is done by discretizing the design domain into finite elements. The material densities inside these elements are then treated as the problem variables. In this case material density of one indicates the presence of material, while zero indicates an absence of material. Owing to the attainable topological complexity of the design being dependent on the number of elements, a large number is preferred. Large numbers of finite elements increases the attainable topological complexity, but come at a cost. Firstly, solving the FEM system becomes more expensive. Secondly, algorithms that can handle a large number (several thousands of elements is not uncommon) of discrete variables with multiple constraints are unavailable. Moreover, they are impractically sensitive to parameter variations.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1007/s00158-013-0978-6|title = Topology optimization approaches |journal = Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization|volume = 48|issue = 6|pages = 1031–1055|year = 2013|last1 = Sigmund|first1 = Ole|last2 = Maute|first2 = Kurt|url = http://orbit.dtu.dk/en/publications/topology-optimization-approaches(f861e156-422e-4bb0-a0ad-d378322003f9).html}}</ref> In literature problems with up to 30000 variables have been reported.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1007/BF01197709|title = Topology optimization using a dual method with discrete variables|journal = Structural Optimization|volume = 17|pages = 14–24|year = 1999|last1 = Beckers|first1 = M. |url=http://empslocal.ex.ac.uk/people/staff/reverson/uploads/MoodSwings/beckers.pdf}}</ref>

=== Solving the problem with continuous variables ===
The earlier stated complexities with solving TO problems using binary variables has caused the community to search for other options. One is the modelling of the densities with continuous variables. The material densities can now also attain values between zero and one. Gradient based algorithms that handle large amounts of continuous variables and multiple constraints are available. But the material properties have to be modelled in a continuous setting. This is done through interpolation. One of the most implemented interpolation methodologies is the SIMP method (Solid Isotropic Material with Penalisation<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1007/BF01650949|title = Optimal shape design as a material distribution problem|journal = Structural Optimization|volume = 1|issue = 4|pages = 193–202|year = 1989|last1 = Bendsøe|first1 = M. P.}}</ref>).<ref name="book">[https://books.google.com/books?id=NGmtmMhVe2sC&source=gbs_navlinks_s], a monograph of the subject.</ref> This interpolation is essentially a power law <math> E \;=\; E_0 \,+\, \rho^p (E_1 - E_0) </math>. It interpolates the Young's modulus of the material to the scalar selection field. The value of the penalisation parameter <math>p</math> is generally taken between <math> [1,\, 3]</math>.  This has been shown to confirm the micro-structure of the materials.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1007/s004190050248|title = Material interpolation schemes in topology optimization|journal = Archive of Applied Mechanics (Ingenieur Archiv)|volume = 69|issue = 9–10|pages = 635–654|year = 1999|last1 = Bendsøe|first1 = M. P.|last2 = Sigmund|first2 = O.|bibcode = 1999AAM....69..635B |url=http://www.giref.ulaval.ca/~deteix/bois/documents_references/bendsoe1999.pdf}}</ref> In the SIMP method a lower bound on the Young's modulus is added, <math> E_0 </math>, to make sure the derivatives of the objective function are non-zero when the density becomes zero. The higher the penalisation factor, the more SIMP penalises the algorithm in the use of non-binary densities. Unfortunately, the penalisation parameter also introduces non-convexities<ref>van Dijk, NP. Langelaar, M. van Keulen, F. ''[http://www1.dem.ist.utl.pt/engopt2010/Book_and_CD/Papers_CD_Final_Version/pdf/03/01270-01.pdf Critical study of design parameterization in topology optimization; The influence of design parameterization on local minima].''. 2nd International Conference on Engineering Optimization, 2010</ref>).

=== Shape derivatives ===

=== Topological derivatives ===

=== Level set ===

=== Phase field ===

=== Evolutionary structural optimization ===

=== Commercial software ===
There are several commercial topology optimization software on the market. Most of them use topology optimization as a hint how the optimal design should look like, and manual geometry re-construction is required. There are a few solutions which produce optimal designs ready for Additive Manufacturing.

== Examples ==
[[File:Checkerboards in Topology Optimization.tif|thumb|Checker Board Patterns are shown in this result]]
[[File:Topology Optimization with filtereing.tif|thumb|Topology optimization result when filtering is used]]
[[File:Cantilvr 3d etaopt gsf 050.png|thumb|Topology optimization of a compliance problem]]

=== Structural compliance ===
{{unsourced|section|date=December 2018}}
A stiff structure is one that has the least possible displacement when given certain set of boundary conditions. A global measure of the displacements is the strain energy (also called compliance) of the structure under the prescribed boundary conditions. The lower the strain energy the higher the stiffness of the structure. So, the problem statement involves the objective functional of the strain energy which has to be minimized.

On a broad level, one can visualize that the more the material, the less the deflection as there will be more material to resist the loads. So, the optimization requires an opposing constraint, the volume constraint. This is in reality a cost factor, as we would not want to spend a lot of money on the material. To obtain the total material utilized, an integration of the selection field over the volume can be done.

Finally the elasticity governing differential equations are plugged in so as to get the final problem statement.
:<math>\min_{\rho}\; \int_{\Omega} \frac{1}{2} \mathbf{\sigma}:\mathbf{\varepsilon} \,\mathrm{d}\Omega</math>

subject to:
*<math> \rho \,\in\, [0,\, 1] </math>
*<math> \int_{\Omega} \rho\, \mathrm{d}\Omega \;\leq\; V^*</math>
*<math> \mathbf{\nabla}\cdot\mathbf{\sigma} \,+\, \mathbf{F} \;=\; {\mathbf{0}} </math>
*<math> \mathbf{\sigma} \;=\; \mathsf{C}:\mathbf{\varepsilon}</math>

But, a straightforward implementation in the Finite Element Framework of such a problem is still infeasible owing to issues such as:
# Mesh dependency—Mesh Dependency means that the design obtained on one mesh is not the one that will be obtained on another mesh. The features of the design become more intricate as the mesh gets refined.
# Numerical instabilities—The selection of region in the form of a chess board.

Some techniques such as Filtering based on Image Processing are currently being used to alleviate some of these issues.

=== Multiphysics problems ===

==== Fluid-structure-interaction ====
[[Fluid–structure_interaction|Fluid-structure-interaction]] is a strongly coupled phenomenon and concerns the interaction between a stationary or moving fluid and an elastic structure. Many engineering applications and natural phenomena are subject to fluid-structure-interaction and to take such effects into consideration is therefore critical in the design of many engineering applications. Topology optimisation for fluid structure interaction problems has been studied in e.g. references<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1002/nme.2777|title = Topology optimization for stationary fluid-structure interaction problems using a new monolithic formulation|journal = International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering|volume = 82|issue = 5|pages = 591–616|year = 2010|last1 = Yoon|first1 = Gil Ho|bibcode = 2010IJNME..82..591Y}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1016/j.finel.2017.07.005|title = Evolutionary topology optimization for structural compliance minimization considering design-dependent FSI loads|journal = Finite Elements in Analysis and Design|volume = 135|pages = 44–55|year = 2017|last1 = Picelli|first1 = R.|last2 = Vicente|first2 = W.M.|last3 = Pavanello|first3 = R.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1007/s00158-016-1467-5|title = An immersed boundary approach for shape and topology optimization of stationary fluid-structure interaction problems|journal = Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization|volume = 54|issue = 5|pages = 1191–1208|year = 2016|last1 = Jenkins|first1 = Nicholas|last2 = Maute|first2 = Kurt}}</ref> and<ref name=Lundgaard_FSI>{{Cite journal | doi=10.1007/s00158-018-1940-4| title=Revisiting density-based topology optimization for fluid-structure-interaction problems| journal=Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization| volume=58| issue=3| pages=969–995| year=2018| last1=Lundgaard| first1=Christian| last2=Alexandersen| first2=Joe| last3=Zhou| first3=Mingdong| last4=Andreasen| first4=Casper Schousboe| last5=Sigmund| first5=Ole| url=https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/publications/revisiting-densitybased-topology-optimization-for-fluidstructureinteraction-problems(73e25098-6d12-481e-9ddb-96e2e1715ebe).html}}</ref>. Design solutions solved for different Reynolds numbers are shown below. The design solutions depend on the fluid flow with indicate that the coupling between the fluid and the structure is resolved in the design problems.

{{multiple image
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 | image1 = Fluid-Structure-Interaction-Topology-Optimization-1.png
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 | caption1 = Design solution and velocity field for Re=1

 | image2 = Fluid-Structure-Interaction-Topology-Optimization-2.png
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 | caption2  = Design solution and velocity field for Re=5

 | image3 = Fluid-structure-interaction-pressure-field-topology-optimization.png
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 | caption3  = Design solution and pressure field for Re=10

 | image4 = Fluid-structure-interaction-pressure-field-topology-optimization-4.png
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 | caption4  = Design solution and pressure field for Re=40 

 | footer = Design solutions for different Reynolds number for a wall inserted in a channel with a moving fluid.
}}

[[File:Wall-flow-problem-topology-optimization-for-fluid-structure-interaction-problems.png|thumb|Sketch of the well-known wall problem. The objective of the design problem is to minimize the structural compliance.]]

[[File:Fluid-structure-interaction-design-evolution.gif|thumb|Design evolution for a fluid-structure-interaction problem from reference<ref name=Lundgaard_FSI />. The objective of the design problem is to minimize the structural compliance. The fluid-structure-interaction problem is modelled with Navier-Cauchy and Navier-Stokes equations.]]

==== Thermoelectric energy conversion ====

[[File:Design-sketch.png|thumb|A sketch of the design problem. The aim of the design problem is to spatially distribute two materials, Material A and Material B, to maximise a performance measure such as cooling power or electric power output]]

[[File:Topology-optimization-off-diagonal-design-evolution.gif|thumb|Design evolution for an off-diagonal thermoelectric generator. The design solution of an optimisation problem solved for electric power output. The performance of the device has been optimised by distributing [[Skutterudite]] (yellow) and [[bismuth telluride]] (blue) with a density-based topology optimisation methodology. The aim of the optimisation problem is to maximise the electric power output of the thermoelectric generator.]]

[[File:Evolution-design solution.gif|thumb|Design evolution for a thermoelectric cooler. The aim of the design problem is to maximise the cooling power of the thermoelectric cooler. ]]

[[Thermoelectric_effect|Thermoelectricity]] is a multi-physic problem which concerns the interaction and coupling between electric and thermal energy in semi conducting materials. Thermoelectric energy conversion can be described by two separately identified effects: The Seebeck effect and the Peltier effect. The Seebeck effect concerns the conversion of thermal energy into electric energy and the Peltier effect concerns the conversion of electric energy into thermal energy<ref>Rowe, David Michael. [https://books.google.com/books?id=VvCb_deT4kIC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=Seebeck&f=false Thermoelectrics handbook: macro to nano]. CRC press, 2005.</ref>. By spatially distributing two thermoelectric materials in a two dimensional design space with a topology optimisation methodology,<ref>{{Cite journal | doi=10.1007/s00158-018-1919-1| title=A density-based topology optimization methodology for thermoelectric energy conversion problems| journal=Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization| volume=57| issue=4| pages=1427–1442| year=2018| last1=Lundgaard| first1=Christian| last2=Sigmund| first2=Ole| url=https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/publications/a-densitybased-topology-optimization-methodology-for-thermoelectric-energy-conversion-problems(e440637f-4bde-417d-9456-3759f853522d).html}}</ref> it is possible to exceed performance of the constitutive thermoelectric materials for [[Thermoelectric_cooling|thermoelectric coolers]] and [[Thermoelectric_generator|thermoelectric generators]]<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1007/s11664-018-6606-x|title = Topology Optimization of Segmented Thermoelectric Generators|journal = Journal of Electronic Materials|volume = 47|issue = 12|pages = 6959–6971|year = 2018|last1 = Lundgaard|first1 = Christian|last2 = Sigmund|first2 = Ole|last3 = Bjørk|first3 = Rasmus|bibcode = 2018JEMat..47.6959L |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323143969}}</ref>.

===3F3D Form Follows Force 3D Printing===
The current proliferation of 3D printer technology has allowed designers and engineers to use topology optimization techniques when designing new products. Topology optimization combined with 3D printing can result in lightweighting, improved structural performance and shortened design-to-manufacturing cycle. As the designs, while efficient, might not be realisable with more traditional manufacturing techniques.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*Investigation into Structural Topology Optimization Problem Formulations, William Renold, lulu.com, 2007.
*[http://www.springerlink.com/content/t5732j08vk143274/ Recent Developments in the Commercial Implementation of Topology Optimization]; Uwe Schramm, Ming Zhou; IUTAM Symposium on Topological Design Optimization of Structures, Machines and Materials: Status and Perspectives, 239–248; 2006 Springer.
*[http://www.springerlink.com/content/l317544685kr4263/?p=86d69fac23964a0aaccc6c10e08701aa&pi=3/ Industrial Implementation and Applications of Topology Optimization and Future Needs]; Claus B.W. Pedersen; Peter Allinger; IUTAM Symposium on Topological Design Optimization of Structures, Machines and Materials, 229-238; 2006 Springer.
*[http://www.springerlink.com/content/a7653p3h70116666/ Topology optimization of 2D continua for minimum compliance using parallel computing] Arash Mahdavi; Balaji Raghavan; Mary Frecker; Int Journal of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, Volume 32, 121-132, 2006 Springer
*[http://vrand.com/node/48 Modern Structural Optimization Concepts Applied to Topology Optimization] Juan Pablo Leiva; Brian C. Watson and Iku Kosaka ; 40th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Material Conference. St. Louis, MO, pp.&nbsp;1589–1596, 1999

==External links==
* [http://www.caess.eu/site/Software-Animations.html Topology optimization animations]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Topology Optimization}}
[[Category:Mathematical optimization]]
[[Category:Topology]]
[[Category:Construction]]
[[Category:Structural engineering]]
[[Category:3D printing]]