A Topology Optimization Method Based on Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline Hyper-Surfaces for Heat Conduction Problems

This work deals with heat conduction problems formulation in the framework of a CAD-compatible topology optimization method based on pseudo-density field as descriptor. In particular, proposed strategy relies, one hand, use Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline (NURBS) hyper-surfaces to represent and, other well-known Solid Isotropic Material Penalization (SIMP) approach. The resulting is then referred NURBS-based SIMP method. this background, have been reformulated by taking advantage properties NURBS entities. influence integer parameters, involved definition hyper-surface, optimized investigated. Furthermore, symmetry constraints, well manufacturing requirement related minimum allowable size, are also integrated into problem without introducing explicit constraint functions, thanks blending functions properties. Finally, since topological variable represented means entity, geometrical representation boundary available at each iteration process and its reconstruction becomes straightforward task. effectiveness shown 2D 3D benchmark taken from literature.