Multiscale design based on non-penalization smooth-edged material distribution for optimizing topology (SEMDOT)

Abstract This paper presents a concurrent topology optimization method for macro and micro phases based on non-penalization smooth-edged material distribution for optimization topology (SEMDOT) method. Although there is existing research on the multiscale design method, grayscale elements are always emerged especially for penalization method for example the solid isotropic material penalization (SIMP) method, also high computational cost are required when large scale of elements are utilized for obtaining high resolution structures. The methodology proposed here aims to apply a new tech called non-penalization SEMDOT method to find the optimum layout on both scales of elements, it is assumed that the macro structure is composed of periodic materials and both element scales are optimized through their linearly interpolated grid points. The effective macroscopic properties are evaluated by the homogenization method. The approach could provide smooth and clear boundaries for multiscale system without grayscale elements or high computational cost. A series of numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and the efficiency of the proposed method.