Software
The TOBS Method
Together with Dr. Raghavendra Sivapuram, I helped create the Topology Optimization of Binary Structures (TOBS) method, first published at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.finel.2017.10.006. This method employs sequential integer linear programming in combination with various numerical techniques to achieve convergent solutions for topology optimization problems with binary design variables. The main advantages are reduced dependency on material penalization and clear boundaries during optimization. The goal is to offer a viable option for binary topology optimization with possible multiple and non-volumetric constraints.
A Matlab educational code called TOBS-101 is described in detail in the following publication:
Picelli, R., Sivapuram, R., Xie, Y. M. (2020). “A 101-line MATLAB code for topology optimization using binary variables and integer programming”, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-020-02719-9.
The TOBS-101 solver can be used directly as a plug-in for other codes. The code can also be downloaded here: tobs101.m
The TOBS-GT Method
The jagged boundaries produced by binary topology optimization with regular quadrilateral meshes are not suitable for computational fluid dynamics. Therefore, fluid flow and fluid-structure interaction applications are limited, particularly high speed and turbulent flow. To address this issue, I helped create the TOBS with Geometry Trimming (TOBS-GT) method. This method employs separate optimization and analysis meshes. Smooth boundaries are extracted from the binary optimization mesh and used to create the (body-fitted) analysis mesh, which is conveniently configured for fluid flow dynamics. The method was formalized in a turbulent flow optimization problem in the following publication:
Picelli, R., Moscatelli, E., Yamabe, P. V. M., Alonso, D. H., Ranjbarzadeh, S., Gioria, R. S., Meneghini, J. R., Silva, E. C. N. (2022). “Topology optimization of turbulent fluid flow via the TOBS method and a geometry trimming procedure”, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-021-03118-4
The same approach was used to produce the first study on fluid-structure interaction topology optimization considering turbulent flow. The study was published at:
Siqueira, L. O., Cortez, R. L., Sivapuram, R., Ranjbarzadeh, S., Gioria, R. S., Silva, E. C. N., Picelli, R. (2024). “Topology optimization for stationary fluid-structure interaction problems with turbulent flow via sequential integer linear programming and smooth explicit boundaries”. Adv Eng Softw 190.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advengsoft.2024.103599
For possible collaborations or to request a demo code, please contact me at rpicelli@usp.br.
Contact
Address: Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 2231 – Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo – SP, 05508-030
Phone: +55 (11) 30915540
Email: rpicelli@usp.br