Integrated topology optimization of materials and structures based on variable density method

DONG Li, WU Xiao-ming
(Department of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China)

Abstract: Aiming at topology optimization of multi-material continuum structures, based on the development of 3D printing technology , the technology of material made up of a variety of different materials mixed in any proportion was investigated. Based on the topological optimization method of variable density method, a topological optimization model and its calculation method for two-material hybrid structure was proposed.In this model, the elements densities were used as the design variables, and the mixing ratios of two materials in the elements were added as the design variables. The developed method was verified by two examples.The results indicate that this method can optimize the structure topology and obtain the mixture ratios of two materials, so as to realize the material and structure integrated topology optimization based on the interpolation model for solid isotropic material with penalization.
Key words: integrated optimization; topology optimization; multi-materials; solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP); variable density method