First International Conference for PhD students in Civil Engineering

CE-PhD 2012, 4-7 November 2012,Cluj-Napoca, Romania

www.sens-group.ro/ce2012

Research regarding topology and shape optimization

PhDs.eng. Zoica Radu Mircea1

1
Technical University of Cluj-Napoca North Centre of Baia Mare, Faculty of Mineral Resources and
Environment, 62A Victor Babe St., 430083, Baia Mare, Romania

Abstract
In this paper a brief review of the correlation between topology and shape optimization has been
made. Along with the current ideas of the contemporary architects, and with the continuous
development of the digital morphogenesis (architectural shape developing method based on
biomimesis), engineers are searching for an efficient structural model. Once with the increased
computational efficiency more complex structural models have been more easily analyzed using
FEA (Finite Element Analysis), leading thus to highly accurate stress and strain results, which are
processed using optimization methods for achieving an optimal design.

Shape optimization has the objective to minimize the mass by changing or determining the efficient
boundary shape of the structural system, while satisfying several restrictions. The shape
optimization problem has a history of over 3000 years, beginning with the isoperimetric problem.
Topology optimization history can be classified into three periods, from the Michell (1904) period
to the present, periods described in the paper. When using the numerical approach, many authors
are using highly connected ground structures with fixed nodal locations, which when supporting a
load the unnecessary members are to be removed. This ground structure approach is used by many
authors in the early 1980s and 1990s. The topology optimization problem and the solving
optimization methods are described from a chronological perspective and from the mathematical
concept used by each author.

To sum up, the studied methods of solving topological problems, and the advantages and
disadvantages of each method are presented, as well as different real life applications on built
structures.

References
[1] Technical Committee on Optimal Structural Design of the Technical Administrative Committee on
Analysis and Computation of the Technical Activities Division of The Structural Engineering Institute of
the American Society of Civil Engineering. Edited by Scott A.Burns. Recent Advances in Optimal
Structural Design. Urbana, IL. 2002.

[2] Jasbir S. Arora. Optimization of Structural and Mechanical Systems. Singapore: World Scientific
Publishing Co.Pte.Ltd., 2007.

[3] M.P.Bendse, O.Sigmund. Topology Optimization: Theory, Methods, and Applications. 2nd ed. Springer
Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York. 2004

[4] M.Petrina.Probleme ale Optimizrii proiectrii structurilor alctuite din bare. Cluj-Napoca. 1982