A multidomain topology optimization technique (MDTO) is developed, which extends the standard topology optimization method to the realm of more realistic engineering design problems. The new technique enables the effective design of a complex engineering structure by allowing the designer to control the material distribution among the subdomains during the optimal design process, to use multiple materials or composite materials in the various subdomains of the structure, and to follow a desired pattern or tendency for the material distribution. A new algorithm of Sequential Approximate Optimization (SAO) is proposed for the multidomain topology optimization, which is an enhancement and a generalization of previous SAO algorithms (including Optimality Criteria and Convex Linearization methods, etc.). An advanced substructuring method using quasi-static modes is also introduced to condense the nodal variables associated with the multidomain topology optimization problem, especially for the nondesign subdomains. The effectiveness of the new MDTO approach is demonstrated for various design problems, including one of “structure-fixture simultaneous design,” one of “functionally graded material design,” and one of “crush energy management.” These case studies demonstrate the potential significance of the new capability developed for a wide range of engineering design problems.
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e-mail: mazd@umich.edu
e-mail: kikuchi@umich.edu
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July 2006
Technical Papers
Multidomain Topology Optimization for Structural and Material Designs
Zheng-Dong Ma,
Zheng-Dong Ma
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
e-mail: mazd@umich.edu
University of Michigan
, 2250 G. G. Brown Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125
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Noboru Kikuchi,
Noboru Kikuchi
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
e-mail: kikuchi@umich.edu
University of Michigan
, 2250 G. G. Brown Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125
Search for other works by this author on:
Basavaraju Raju
Basavaraju Raju
U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command
, Warren, MI 48347-5000
Search for other works by this author on:
Zheng-Dong Ma
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Michigan
, 2250 G. G. Brown Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125e-mail: mazd@umich.edu
Noboru Kikuchi
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Michigan
, 2250 G. G. Brown Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125e-mail: kikuchi@umich.edu
Christophe Pierre
Basavaraju Raju
U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command
, Warren, MI 48347-5000J. Appl. Mech. Jul 2006, 73(4): 565-573 (9 pages)
Published Online: October 5, 2005
Article history
Received:
June 2, 2004
Revised:
October 5, 2005
Citation
Ma, Z., Kikuchi, N., Pierre, C., and Raju, B. (October 5, 2005). "Multidomain Topology Optimization for Structural and Material Designs." ASME. J. Appl. Mech. July 2006; 73(4): 565–573. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2164511
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