A projective transformation-based topology optimization using moving morphable components

The moving morphable components (MMC)-based topology optimization method makes it possible to directly connect theoretical designs to computer-aided design (CAD) systems. To improve the manufacturability of the optimal result, this paper proposes a projective transformation-based topology optimization using moving morphable components (PMMC), which can reduce the performance loss when the optimized design is ported to practical manufacturing. The basic idea is to treat an arbitrary component as a projection of a component template independent of design variables. A hierarchical feature construction method is used to reconstruct the internal details within an element while reducing the interpolation error, in order to achieve a high-precision feature representation and sensitivity analysis that are not affected by the quality of the background mesh. The proposed method not only ensures the consistency of the geometric model and the analysis model, but also flexibly addresses components that are difficult to describe explicitly. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through a series of numerical examples. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The paper introduces a projective transformation-based topology optimization method using moving morphable components to improve manufacturability of optimal results without being affected by background mesh quality. The proposed method can handle components that are difficult to describe and has been verified effective through numerical examples.