Abstract
This paper presents an interactive topology optimization application designed for hand-held devices running iOS or Android. The TopOpt app solves the 2D minimum compliance problem with interactive control of load and support positions as well as volume fraction. Thus, it is possible to change the problem settings on the fly and watch the design evolve to a new optimum in real time. The use of an interactive app makes it extremely simple to learn and understand the influence of load-directions, support conditions and volume fraction. The topology optimization kernel is written in C# and the graphical user interface is developed using the game engine Unity3D. The underlying code is inspired by the publicly available 88 and 99 line Matlab codes for topology optimization but does not utilize any low-level linear algebra routines such as BLAS or LAPACK. The TopOpt App can be downloaded on iOS devices from the Apple App Store, at Google Play for the Android platform, and a web-version can be run from www.topopt.dtu.dk.
References
Amir O, Sigmund O (2011) On reducing computational effort in topology optimization: how far can we go? Struct Multidisc Optim 44:25–29
Andreassen E, Clausen A, Schevenels M, Lazarov BS, Sigmund O (2010) Efficient topology optimization in MATLAB using 88 lines of code. Struct Multidisc Optim 43(1):1–16
Arioli M (2004) A stopping criterion for the conjugate gradient algorithm in a finite element method framework. Numer Math 97:1–24
Bendsøe M (1989) Optimal shape design as a material distribution problem. Struct Optim 1:193–202
Bendsøe M, Sigmund O (2004) Topology optimization; theory, methods and applications, 2nd edn. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York
Bourdin B (2001) Filters in topology optimization. Int J Numer Methods Eng 50(9):2143–2158
Bruns TE, Tortorelli DA (2001) Topology optimization of non-linear elastic structures and compliant mechanisms. Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 190(26–27):3443–3459
Mlejnek HP (1992) Some aspects of the genesis of structures. Struct Optim 5:64–69
Nguyen TH, Paulino GH, Song J, Le CH (2010) A computational paradigm for multiresolution topology optimization (mtop). Struct Multidisc Optim 41:525–539
Sigmund O (1997) On the design of compliant mechanisms using topology optimization. Mechan Struct Mach 25(4):493–525
Sigmund O (2001) A 99 line topology optimization code written in MATLAB. Struct Multidisc Optim 21(2):120–127
Statistics Denmark (2012) http://www.dst.dk/statistik/nyt/emneopdelt.aspx?psi=1409. Accessed 14 Jun 2012
Stolpe M, Svanberg K (2001) An alternative interpolation scheme for minimum compliance topology optimization. Struct Multidisc Optim 22(2):116–124
Tcherniak D, Sigmund O (2001) A web-based topology optimization program. Struct Multidisc Optim 22(3):179–187
Unity Technologies (2012) Unity3d. www.unity3d.com. Accessed 20 Mar 2012
Wang F, Lazarov B, Sigmund O (2011) On projection methods, convergence and robust formulations in topology optimization. Struct Multidisc Optim 43(6):767–784
Zhou M, Rozvany GIN (1991) The COC algorithm, part II: topological, geometry and generalized shape optimization. Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 89(1–3):309–336
Zienkiewicz OC, Taylor RL (2000) Finite element method, vol 1, 5th edn. Butterworth-Heinemann
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to extend their gratitude to the members of the TopOpt and NextTop groups at DTU for their invaluable input on the design and testing of the TopOpt app.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
The authors acknowledge the support from the Villum foundation through the NextTop project.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Aage, N., Nobel-Jørgensen, M., Andreasen, C.S. et al. Interactive topology optimization on hand-held devices. Struct Multidisc Optim 47, 1–6 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-012-0827-z
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-012-0827-z