A new computational approach to topology optimization in solid mechanics problems

Tesi en modalitat compendi de publicacionsThis doctoral thesis addresses topology optimization problems at a single scale. Based on this purpose, a new topology optimization approach is developed in order to improve existing and widespread techniques in the research community on the topic. The proposed technique presents several characteristics that overcome some of the well-known difficulties in topological optimization while maintaining a considerable degree of simplicity. In the first place, the formulation of the topological optimization technique is presented, as well as its algorithm. The method is based on 4 fundamental features: (1) the use of a 1-0 characteristic function, as well as the precise identification of the material boundaries from a discrimination function (0-level-set function), (2) the definition of a topological derivative consistent with the ersatz method (used in the state problem), as an approximation to the exact topological derivative, (3) the inclusion of a Laplacian regularization with minimum size control of the different components, and (4) the formulation of an analytical optimality condition aiming at the optimal topology solution. The approach is applied to different topology optimization problems, well-reported in the literature and used as numerical benchmarks (in structural and thermal problems), to examine their performance. In these fields, stiffness and conductivity maximization problems are considered for validation, respectively. In addition, different topological optimization problems of major engineering interest are tackled, including the design of compliant mechanisms within the structural field and thermal cloaking devices within the thermal field. Finally, a comparison of the formulation with other existing topology optimization techniques is performed, including (1) SIMP, (2) ESO/BESO, and (3) Level-set with Hamilton-Jacobi as the updating equation. The analysis of the results provides a comparison in terms of the quality of the topology of each method, the computational cost of the optimal solutions, as well as the simplicity of implementation. The resulting study reveals the potential of the developed methodology in these specific comparison terms. In an attempt to bring the method closer to other researchers and to promote its use, an educational version of the method (written in MATLAB) has been published in an online repository, together with documentation, facilitating its dissemination and subsequent use in other applications of interest.El objetivo de esta tesis doctoral es abordar el problema de optimización topológica a una única escala. En base a este propósito, se desarrolla una nueva técnica de optimización capaz de competir con técnicas ya existentes y extendidas entre la comunidad investigadora sobre el tema. Esta técnica presenta características que superan algunas de las dificultades bien conocidas en optimización topológica manteniendo un buen grado de simplicidad. En primer lugar, se presenta la formulación de la técnica de optimización topológica, así como su algoritmia. El método se fundamenta en 4 aspectos básicos: (1) la utilización de una función característica 1-0, así como la definición precisa de las fronteras materiales a partir de una función de discriminación (isonivel 0 de la función level-set), (2) la definición de una derivada topológica coherente con el método ersatz (utilizado en la ecuación de estado), como aproximación a la derivada topológica exacta, (3) la inclusión de una regularización Laplaciana con control de tamaño mínimo de los diferentes componentes, y (4) la definición de una condición de optimalidad analítica para la determinación de la solución óptima de la topología. La metodología se aplica a diferentes problemas de optimización topológica bien detallados en la literatura y utilizados como ensayos numéricos para examinar su respuesta frente a problemas estructurales y térmicos. En estos campos, se incluyen problemas de maximización de la rigidez y de la conductividad, respectivamente. Además, se resuelven diferentes problemas de optimización topológica con gran interés ingenieril en los campos estructurales con el diseño de mecanismos y térmicos con el diseño de dispositivos de camuflaje térmicos. Finalmente, se realiza una comparación de la formulación con otras técnicas ya existentes, por ejemplo: (1) SIMP, (2) ESO/BESO, y (3) Level-set con Hamilton-Jacobi como ecuación de evolución. El análisis de los resultados permite comparar la calidad de la topología de cada método, el coste computacional de las soluciones óptimas, así como la simplicidad de implementación, demostrando el potencial de la metodología desarrollada principalmente en estos términos de comparación. Con la finalidad de acercar el método a otros investigadores y de promover su utilización, se ha publicado una versión educativa del mismo (en MATLAB) en un repositorio online, junto a documentación, permitiendo así la divulgación del mismo y la posible utilización en otras aplicaciones de interés.Postprint (published version

Variational approach to relaxed topological optimization: closed form solutions for structural problems in a sequential pseudo-time framework

The work explores a specific scenario for structural computational optimization based on the following elements: (a) a relaxed optimization setting considering the ersatz (bi-material) approximation, (b) a treatment based on a non-smoothed characteristic function field as a topological design variable, (c) the consistent derivation of a relaxed topological derivative whose determination is simple, general and efficient, (d) formulation of the overall increasing cost function topological sensitivity as a suitable optimality criterion, and (e) consideration of a pseudo-time framework for the problem solution, ruled by the problem constraint evolution. In this setting, it is shown that the optimization problem can be analytically solved in a variational framework, leading to, nonlinear, closed-form algebraic solutions for the characteristic function, which are then solved, in every time-step, via fixed point methods based on a pseudo-energy cutting algorithm combined with the exact fulfillment of the constraint, at every iteration of the non-linear algorithm, via a bisection method. The issue of the ill-posedness (mesh dependency) of the topological solution, is then easily solved via a Laplacian smoothing of that pseudo-energy. In the aforementioned context, a number of (3D) topological structural optimization benchmarks are solved, and the solutions obtained with the explored closed-form solution method, are analyzed, and compared, with their solution through an alternative level set method. Although the obtained results, in terms of the cost function and topology designs, are very similar in both methods, the associated computational cost is about five times smaller in the closed-form solution method this possibly being one of its advantages. Some comments, about the possible application of the method to other topological optimization problems, as well as envisaged modifications of the explored method to improve its performance close the workPeer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

The water footprint of olives and olive oil in Spain

This paper evaluates the water footprint of Spanish olives and olive oil over the period 1997-2008. In particular, it analyses the three colour components of the water footprint: green (rainwater stored in the soil), blue (surface and groundwater) and grey (freshwater required to assimilate load of pollutants). Apparent water productivity and virtual water embedded in olive oil exports have also been studied. Results show more than 99.5% of the water footprint of one liter of bottled olive oil is related to the olive production, whereas less than 0.5% is due to the other components such as bottle, cap and label. Over the studied period, the green water footprint in absolute terms of Spanish olive oil production represents about 72% in rainfed systems and just 12% in irrigated olive orchards. Blue and grey water footprints represent 6% and 10% of the national water footprint, respectively. It is shown that olive production is concentrated in regions with the smallest water footprint per unit of product. However, the increase of groundwater consumption in the main olive producing region (Andalusia), from 98 to 378 Mm3 between 1997 and 2008, has added significant pressure in the upstream Guadalquivir basin. This raises questions about the sustainability of irrigated olive orchards for export from the region. Finally, the virtual water related to olive oil exports illustrate the importance of green water footprint of rainfed olives amounting to about 77% of the total virtual water exports

Comparative study of the pathogenicity of seabed isolates of Fusarium equiseti and the effect of the composition of the mineral salt medium and temperature on mycelia growth

The pathogenicity of seven strains of Fusarium equiseti isolated from seabed soil was evaluated on different host plants showing pre and post emergence damage. Radial growth of 27 strains was measured on culture media previously adjusted to different osmotic potentials with either KCl or NaCl (-1.50 to - 144.54 bars) at 15º, 25º and 35º C. Significant differences and interactive effects were observed in the response of mycelia to osmotic potential and temperature

Detección de variabilidad macroscópica de Fusarium proliferatum mediante análisis de imagen

Fusarium proliferatum es un hongo fitopatógeno relevante por su capacidad de producir micotoxinas y del que existe poca información acerca de su variabilidad intraespecífica. Las características macroscópicas de sus colonias pueden ser utilizadas para caracterizar dicha variabilidad de una forma rápida y rutinaria. En este trabajo, se propone una metodología para poner a punto una técnica que permita diferenciar aislados de F. proliferatum en base a sus características morfológicas y cromáticas mediante el uso de técnicas de análisis de imagen. Se ha realizado la siembra de 27 aislados de F. proliferatum sobre placas Petri con medio de cultivo, incubadas a 25ºC, donde se realizaban capturas de imagen periódicas. Las imágenes fueron analizadas con el programa MATLAB con el uso de rutinas típicas y propias. Los resultados muestran que el análisis de imagen es una técnica idónea para la obtención de las tasa de crecimiento miceliar y parámetros cromáticos de una forma automática y rutinaria, lo que permite caracterizar los distintos aislados de F. proliferatum en base a estos parámetros

Study for the numerical resolution of conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy to be applied to solar thermal collectors

The aim of this project is to create a software in C++ language that allows to solve numerically the Navier-Stokes equations for cases with simple geometries and presupposing certain hypotheses, as well as the study and comprehension of the equations that govern the fluid dynamics. Furthermore, the procedure applied to cases of conduction and radiation is also introduced. The main purpose is to simulate the fluid-dynamic and thermal behaviour of already well-known cases as a way to verify the results. Principally, The studied problems are: "Smith-Hutton problem”, “Driven Cavity problem” as well as “Differentially heated cavity problem”. Finally, an introduction is done about the phenomenology that characterizes the turbulence as well as the theoretical and practical implementation of 1D cases.

Inventario fúngico asociado a las semillas de cultivares de cardo (Cynara cardunculus L.)

Se caracterizó la micoflora presente en las semillas de 54 cultivares de cardo cosechados entre las campañas 1992-93 y 1997-98. 10 muestras procedentes del Servicio de Investigación Agraria, finca "La orden" (Badajoz) y 44 muestras de la Unidad Docente de Botánica de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos de Madrid. Se analizaron un total de 4400 semillas, identificándose 15 géneros fúngicos diferentes. La presencia de los diferentes géneros varió en función de las localidades y los años de cosecha, entre la microbiota fúngica aislada cabe destacar por su potencial patogenicidad especies de los géneros Fusarium, Aspergillus y Alternaria

In vitro and field efficacy of three fungicides against Fusarium bulb rot of garlic

Efficacy of three fungicides against Fusarium bulb rot of garlic. Control of the garlic disease

Enfermedades y fisiopatías que afectan a la calidad del ajo en postcosecha

Las enfermedades y fisiopatías que afectan al ajo pueden llegar a ocasionar importantes pérdidas en postcosecha, de vital importancia cuando el producto se destina a la exportación a mercados que cada día son más exigentes. En 2008, distintos agricultores de varios municipios de Castilla y León detectaron bulbos de ajo que presentaban síntomas de podredumbre húmeda durante el almacenamiento. Posteriormente, en el año 2009, esta misma podredumbre se observó también en las provincias de Albacete y Cuenca y en muestras procedentes de Córdoba. Hasta la fecha se ha identificado a Fusarium proliferatum como el agente causal de la podredumbre del diente

Sleep characteristics modify the association between genetic predisposition to obesity and anthropometric measurements in 119,679 UK Biobank participants

Background - Obesity is a multifactorial condition influenced by genetics, lifestyle and environment. Objective - To investigate whether the association between a validated genetic profile risk score for obesity (GPRS-obesity) with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) was modified by sleep characteristics. Design - This study included cross-sectional data from 119,859 white European adults, aged 37-73 years, participating on the UK Biobank. Interactions between GPRS-obesity, and sleep characteristics (sleep duration, chronotype, day napping, and shift work) in their effects on BMI and WC were investigated. Results - The GPRS-obesity was associated with BMI (β:0.57 kg.m-2 per standard deviation (SD) increase in GPRS, [95%CI:0.55, 0.60]; P=6.3x10-207) and WC (β:1.21 cm, [1.15, 1.28]; P=4.2x10-289). There were significant interactions between GPRS-obesity and a variety of sleep characteristics in their relationship with BMI (P-interaction <0.05). In participants who slept <7 hrs or >9 hrs daily, the effect of GPRS-obesity on BMI was stronger (β:0.60 [0.54, 0.65] and 0.73 [0.49, 0.97] kg.m-2 per SD increase in GPRS, respectively) than in normal length sleepers (7-9 hours; β:0.52 [0.49, 0.55] kg.m-2 per SD). A similar pattern was observed for shiftworkers (β:0.68 [0.59, 0.77] versus 0.54 [0.51, 0.58] kg.m-2 for non-shiftworkers) and for night-shiftworkers (β:0.69 [0.56, 0.82] versus 0.55 [0.51, 0.58] kg.m-2 for non-night- shiftworkers), for those taking naps during the day (β:0.65 [0.52, 0.78] versus 0.51 [0.48, 0.55] kg.m-2 for those who never/rarely had naps) and for those with a self-reported evening chronotype (β:0.72 [0.61, 0.82] versus β:0.52 [0.47, 0.57] kg.m-2 for morning chronotype). Similar findings were obtained using WC as the outcome. Conclusions – This study shows that the association between genetic risk for obesity and phenotypic adiposity measures is exacerbated by adverse sleeping characteristics