Some results in topology optimization applied to biomechanics

This paper presents the application of a topology optimization algorithm based in homogenization theory. Three examples in structural design will be solved numerically. The first two are formulated such that analytical solutions can also be developed. To obtain this goal, the microscopic structure that we considered is formed of laminates because for this type of composite materials there is an explicit dependence of the homogenized coefficients on the design variables. The last example regards bone remodelling. Here, where it is impossible to obtain the analytical solution, the applied algorithm produces numerical results which are in good agreement with Wolffs Law.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Design of three dimensional isotropic microstructures for maximized stiffness and conductivity

The level-set method of topology optimization is used to design isotropic two-phase periodic multifunctional composites in three dimensions. One phase is stiff and insulating whereas the other is conductive and mechanically compliant. The optimization objective is to maximize a linear combination of the effective bulk modulus and conductivity of the composite. Composites with the Schwartz primitive and diamond minimal surfaces as the phase interface have been shown to have maximal bulk modulus and conductivity. Since these composites are not elastically isotropic their stiffness under uniaxial loading varies with the direction of the load. An isotropic composite is presented with similar conductivity which is at least 23% stiffer under uniaxial loading than the Schwartz structures when loaded uniaxially along their weakest direction. Other new near-optimal isotropic composites are presented, proving the capablities of the level-set method for microstructure design.Comment: 25 pages, 11 figures, to be submitted to International Journal of Solids and Structure

liteITD a MATLAB Graphical User Interface (GUI) program for topology design of continuum structures

Over the past few decades, topology optimization has emerged as a powerful and useful tool for the design of structures, also exploiting the ever growing computational speed and power. The design process has also been affected by computers which changed the concept of form into the concept of formation and the emergence of digital design. Topology optimization can modify existing designs, incorporate explicit features into a design and generate completely new designs. This paper will show how topology optimization can be used as a digital tool. The liteITD (lite version of Isolines Topology Design) software package will be described with the purpose of providing a tool for topology design. The liteITD program solves the topology optimization of two-dimensional continuum structures using von Mises stress isolines under single or multiple loading conditions, with different material properties in tension and compression, and multiple materials. The liteITD program is fully implemented in the MATrix LABoratory (MATLAB) software environment of MathWorks under Windows operating system. GUIDE (Graphical User Interface Development Environment) was used to create a friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI). The usage of this application is directed to students mainly (educational purposes), although also to designers and engineers with experience. The liteITD program can be downloaded and used for free from the website: http://www.upct.es/goe/software/liteITD.php

Topology and shape optimization of induced-charge electro-osmotic micropumps

For a dielectric solid surrounded by an electrolyte and positioned inside an externally biased parallel-plate capacitor, we study numerically how the resulting induced-charge electro-osmotic (ICEO) flow depends on the topology and shape of the dielectric solid. In particular, we extend existing conventional electrokinetic models with an artificial design field to describe the transition from the liquid electrolyte to the solid dielectric. Using this design field, we have succeeded in applying the method of topology optimization to find system geometries with non-trivial topologies that maximize the net induced electro-osmotic flow rate through the electrolytic capacitor in the direction parallel to the capacitor plates. Once found, the performance of the topology optimized geometries has been validated by transferring them to conventional electrokinetic models not relying on the artificial design field. Our results show the importance of the topology and shape of the dielectric solid in ICEO systems and point to new designs of ICEO micropumps with significantly improved performance.Comment: 18 pages, latex IOP-style, 7 eps figure

SIMP-ALL: a generalized SIMP method based on the topological derivative concept

Topology optimization has emerged in the last years as a promising research fieldwith a wide range of applications. One of the most successful approaches, theSIMP method, is based on regularizing the problem and proposing a penaliza-tion interpolation function. In this work, we propose an alternative interpolationfunction, the SIMP-ALL method that is based on the topological derivative con-cept. First, we show the strong relation in plane linear elasticity between theHashin-Shtrikman (H-S) bounds and the topological derivative, providing anew interpretation of the last one. Then, we show that the SIMP-ALL interpo-lation remains always in between the H-S bounds regardless the materials tobe interpolated. This result allows us to interpret intermediate values as realmicrostructures. Finally, we verify numerically this result and we show the con-venience of the proposed SIMP-ALL interpolation for obtaining auto-penalizedoptimal design in a wider range of cases. A MATLAB code of the SIMP-ALLinterpolation function is also provide