Title: Advances in Topology Optimization of Coupled Multi-Physics Problems Speaker: Kurt Maute, University of Colorado at Boulder Date/Time: Thursday, October 4, 2007, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: CSRI Building, Room 90 (Sandia NM) Brief Abstract: In the past decade, computational design methods based on formal optimization approaches have gained substantial popularity for solving engineering design problems. Traditional optimization approaches, such as boundary variation and sizing techniques, have been successfully applied to improving and refining designs that were initially found through engineering intuition and/or transfer of previous solutions for similar design problems. In contrast topology optimization is an optimization approach for finding conceptually novel, non-intuitive designs and does not require a close-to-optimal initial design. These features are in particular appealing for complex design problems in emerging technology areas, such as the design of nano-engineered materials and micro-systems. For both applications, as for many others, the systems response is strongly nonlinear and dominated by the interaction of two or more coupled physical phenomena. This talk will provide an overview of topology optimization for a broad range of coupled multi-physics problems and design problems at the nano-scale. We will discuss fundamental challenges for topology optimization depending on the underlying coupling mechanisms. Generic computational approaches for the analysis and parameter sensitivity analysis of coupled problems will be presented and their applicability to large-scale computational models discussed. Particular attention will be paid to non-traditional analysis approaches based on stochastic mechanics which offer attractive features for topology optimization. The potential and limitation of topology optimization will be illustrated with selected problems undergoing thermo-mechanical, electrostatic-mechanical and fluid-structure interaction, among others. Applications will be studied for the design of active material systems (with tunable properties) at the nano- and submicron scale and for the design of MEMS devices. CSRI POC: Mike Eldred, (505) 844-6479 |