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 (wiki).

iBESO imports multi-solution methods, which allows users to create diverse optimal topologies simultaneously. The solutions can bring about rich design diversity for designers.

Tutorial

The main interface is show in Fig. 1. It includes three parts: a iBESO LOGO, a side bar and four optimizers. The side bar has multiple useful functions (a detailed introduction can be found here).

The four optimizers are used to display the topologically optimized results. The name of four optimizers are Solution A, Solution B, Solution C and Solution D, repecrtively. Generally, they use four different multi-solution algorithms. Users can change their algorithm in the Options Panel. Moreover, the size of the opotimizers is adaptively adjusted according to the pre-defined resolution (changed in the Options Panel).

Fig. 1. The main interface

Click can launch the four optimizers and obtain the corresponding results, as shown in Fig. 2. During the optimization process, users can click to pause the program or click to reset all optimizers. Note that the optimization process doesn't allow users to change parameters and settings. Thus, most of buttons are inactive.

Fig. 2. Running the four optimizers

Besides, users can change the optimization parameters in the Parameter Panel, such as target volume, filter radius and resolution. For example, Fig. 3 shows another example with different resolution.

Fig. 3. Cantiliver examples with a different resoltion

Default Parameters

iBESO defines a cantiliver beam as the default example. Its optimization parameters are shown in the table below.

Parameter	Default value	Function
Resolution	64 x 40	The number of elements in the width (64) and the height (40) directions
Filter radius	3
Target volume	0.5	The final volume of results
Young's modulus	1	A mechanical property that measures the tensile or compressive stiffness of a solid material when the force is applied lengthwise.
Poisson's ratio	0.3	A measure of the deformation (expansion or contraction) of a material in directions perpendicular to the specific direction of loading.
Scoring weight	1	Defines the weight of the Scoring System
Drawing weight	0.3	Defines the weight of the Drawing System
Save path
Smoothing	True
Minimum random value	75%
Maximum random value	100%
Random seed	2
Solution A Algorithms	Original BESO
Solution B Algorithms	Random Perturbation
Solution C Algorithms	Random Initial Designs
Solution D Algorithms	Random Perturbation
Brush radius	2
Brush hardness	50%
Brush opacity	100%