Figure. Layout of the optimization task, solved with ProTOp.
CAESS ProTOp performs structural topology optimization by implementing an efficient optimization method developed in-house with special attention to reliability and efficiency. ProTOp usage relies on a third-party modeler for the purposes of model preparation and finalization. Modelers that can most efficiently be used in combination with ProTOp are:
The layout of an optimization task, solved with ProTOp, is shown in the figure below.
Figure. Layout of the optimization task, solved with ProTOp.
Import of the source FEA model into the optimizer is done by ProTOp. This step actually converts the original modeler files to another format, fully adapted to maximize optimization performance.
The optimization procedure consists of two subsequent processes, namely, of
The topology optimization is an iterative process done by ProTOp. Each cycle of this iteration requires one or more finite element analyses and one computation of topology parameters, as shown in the figure below.
Figure. Iterative topology optimization - main design procedure
In ProTOp this process is fully interactive and managed by a relative small set of control parameters.
The shape optimization is also an iterative process done by ProTOp. Each cycle of this iteration requires one or more finite element analyses and one improvement of the current design, as shown in the figure below. This process aims to improve and finalize the design generated by the topology optimizer. Thus, in ProTOp shape optimization is some kind of a supplemental process intended to maximize the design benefits delivered by the topology optimizer.
Figure. Iterative shape optimization - supplemental design improvement procedure
NOTE. In ProTOp, topology optimization is the main design procedure. In order to obtain the best possible results, however, in ProTOp this procedure is supplemented by a specialized shape optimization, which can be viewed as some kind of a design improvement and finalization procedure.