Topology optimization overview In Part 1 and Part 2 of this article I will dive a little deeper into the background of Topology Optimization and attempt to give some insights into what controls we can exert on the process to improve the relevance to our design goals. Figure 1 shows a typical topology optimization […]
The “Three Topos” – optimization jargon explained
In an earlier article I explained the background to topology optimization. The piece prompted discussion in the various social media, including requests to clarify the differences between Topology, Topography and Topometry optimization. I will explain in the article what the different methods do. However, it is difficult to distinguish between the terms based […]
What exactly is topology optimization?
Topology optimization is attracting a lot of fans! This month I review what topology optimization is and some of the practical issues it raises. Topology optimization is not new, the origins are usually attributed to Bendsoe and Kikuchi, reference 1, from 1988. By 2000 several FEA solvers had early versions. There is rejuvenated interest now […]
Structural optimization
Background Optimization has earned a key place in the drive to improve products based on a wide range of performance criteria. Optimization technology has advanced rapidly over the last decade and the engineer faces a bewildering variety of tools and methods. It is tempting to view the optimizer as a black box; press the […]
Optimization – Science or Philosophy?
Background A previous article I wrote introduced structural optimization concepts and methodology. In this article we look at some of the philosophical questions which arise when considering optimization; and which may indeed drive the approach taken and the tools used. The first question to consider is the context in which we are planning structural […]
Who’s on First; Hooke or Young?
A Good Question I was teaching the “Introduction to Finite Element Analysis” training course in Holland recently. A design engineer on the course came up with a good question relating to a graph I had just sketched up on the whiteboard. I was describing how a material will respond to the loading, in terms […]