Generalization and Expansion of Topology Optimization in MATLAB for Scalable High Resolution Design
Abstract:
Generally, topology optimization codes are designed to find a solution for a single type of problem. For educational codes, this tends to be a 2-D problem solving for minimum compliance (maximum stiffness). This report presents a single algorithm that broadens the capabilities for topology optimization in MATLAB. The presented algorithm has been designed to optimize 2- and3-D problems from a selection of objective functions. Provisions were also added to allow for the optimization of geometrically complex components using existing mesh (STL) files. The algorithm does this while maintaining a high degree of control over the optimization process and increasing efficiency (allowing for fast and high-resolution solutions).