2D topology optimization MATLAB codes for piezoelectric actuators and energy harvesters

In this paper, two separate topology optimization MATLAB codes are proposed for a piezoelectric plate in actuation and energy harvesting. The codes are written for one-layer piezoelectric plate based on 2D finite element modeling. As such, all forces and displacements are confined in the plane of the piezoelectric plate. For the material interpolation scheme, the extension of solid isotropic material with penalization approach known as PEMAP-P (piezoelectric material with penalization and polarization) which considers the density and polarization direction as optimization variables is employed. The optimality criteria and method of moving asymptotes (MMA) are utilized as optimization algorithms to update the optimization variables in each iteration. To reduce the numerical instabilities during optimization iterations, finite element equations are normalized. The efficiencies of the codes are illustrated numerically by illustrating some basic examples of actuation and energy harvesting. It is straightforward to extend the codes for various problem formulations in actuation, energy harvesting and sensing. The finite element modeling, problem formulation and MATLAB codes are explained in detail to make them appropriate for newcomers and researchers in the field of topology optimization of piezoelectric material.

Automated summary

This paper presents two separate topology optimization MATLAB codes for a piezoelectric plate, utilizing the PEMAP-P method and optimizing variables using the optimality criteria and MMA algorithm. The efficiency of the codes is illustrated through numerical examples, and they are easy to extend to various problem formulations.