SIMP Method

Altair Forum User

Hey guys,

 

I have a question on the theory of the SIMP Method used in OptiStruct to perform a Topology Optimization.

I got that the stiffness matrix of a material is varied depending on its 'density' and that using the penalization factor p, we are aiming for design with only 0 and 1 values in the end.

 

For me it's still unclear, how OptiStruct is calculating these density values. How does the solver know where I have an element with density 0, 1 or something in between?

 

Kind regards and thanks in advance

Simon

 

Rahul Rajan_21763

Please refer attached material from help.

Unable to find an attachment - read this blog

Altair Forum User

Hello Rahul,

 

thanks for your quick reply and the documents provided.

I understand how the penalization is working and that the stiffness matrix of the structure is depending of a pseudo element density.

 

I still don't get how this density is calculated. What is this variable depending on? And when does the density take a value of 0, for void, and when for 1, for solid material?

Could you help me out with this question?

 

Kind regards and thanks in advance,

Simon

Rahul Rajan_21763

Please refer below youtube video link & attached pdf.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_erS8dRxILM

 

Unable to find an attachment - read this blog