Topology Optimization of different materials

Altair Forum User
Altair Forum User
Altair Employee
edited October 2020 in Community Q&A

 

Hello,
I am trying to run a topology optimization problem on a body for different materials (keeping the volume fraction fixed). I am getting similar structures, if I change the volume fraction of one material the structure changes completely. With change in volume fraction there is change in amount of material distributed and this would be the reason for change in structure with change in volume fraction. but what is the reason for same structure for different materials (keeping volume fraction fixed) ?

Thanks

Answers

  • Altair Forum User
    Altair Forum User
    Altair Employee
    edited May 2017

    Hi Dinesh,

     

    How are you fixing the volume fraction for your topology optimization?

     

    When you say you get same structure does most of the material is removed from less stiffer material?

     

    Can you share the model files?

  • Altair Forum User
    Altair Forum User
    Altair Employee
    edited May 2017

    Hello Prakash,
    Thanks for the reply. This is a conceptual doubt I am trying to run a Matlab program for the topology optimization (http://www.topopt.dtu.dk/files/matlab.pdf) , I think this particular code doesn't take Elastic modulus into effect.


    Also as you have asked I am not sure on how to choose the volume fraction, if I have multiple structures for one single material by varying volume fraction. which one should I choose. (is it one with min strain energy and which has better connectivity between elements)?

     

    Thanks

  • Altair Forum User
    Altair Forum User
    Altair Employee
    edited May 2017

    if I have multiple structures for one single material by varying volume fraction. which one should I choose. (is it one with min strain energy and which has better connectivity between elements)?

    Hi Dinesh,

     

    This is a little confusing, do you mean one single structure with different materials?

     

    Can you explain please?

  • Altair Forum User
    Altair Forum User
    Altair Employee
    edited May 2017

    Hello Prakash,

    For one material, by varying the volume fraction, there will be different output structures. How do I choose the optimal structure (and corresponding volume fraction). Is it one with minimum strain energy and which has better connectivity between elements?

     

  • Altair Forum User
    Altair Forum User
    Altair Employee
    edited May 2017

    Dinesh,

     

    A structure with good strain energy layout and poor connectivity is absolute. 

     

    So its a trade off between two.