Topology optimization of continuum structures: A review*

TLDR

Finding the optimal topology or layout early in design is crucial for new products, and over the past decade research has focused on efficient, reliable methods, mainly through material/microstructure and geometrical/macrostructure techniques. This review surveys developments in these two techniques, emphasizing optimal topology and layout design of linearly elastic 2D and 3D continuum structures, and discusses emerging application areas. The authors begin with the mathematical‑physical foundations of topology optimization and present several methods, illustrating their applicability with multiple examples. The review demonstrates that these methods effectively design optimal topologies for linearly elastic structures, as shown by the illustrated examples. The review cites 425 references.

Abstract

It is of great importance for the development of new products to find the best possible topology or layout for given design objectives and constraints at a very early stage of the design process (the conceptual and project definition phase). Thus, over the last decade, substantial efforts of fundamental research have been devoted to the development of efficient and reliable procedures for solution of such problems. During this period, the researchers have been mainly occupied with two different kinds of topology design processes; the Material or Microstructure Technique and the Geometrical or Macrostructure Technique. It is the objective of this review paper to present an overview of the developments within these two types of techniques with special emphasis on optimum topology and layout design of linearly elastic 2D and 3D continuum structures. Starting from the mathematical-physical concepts of topology and layout optimization, several methods are presented and the applicability is illustrated by a number of examples. New areas of application of topology optimization are discussed at the end of the article. This review article includes 425 references.