On the Indispensability of Isogeometric Analysis in Topology Optimization for Smooth or Binary Designs

Recently, isogeometric analysis (IGA), which unifies the computer-aided design (CAD) model and engineering (CAE) model, has been adopted to develop topology optimization (ITO) framework. However, a critical study on indispensability of IGA in take place conventional finite element method (FEM) is still lacking. In current work, two important problems are extensively discussed: (1) The lower numerical precision FEM resulting from disunification between CAD CAE models damages effectiveness optimization, suggests replacement optimization; (2) material penalization required ensure generation full loading-transmission path during classic density-based methods, causes greater overestimation structural stiffness also necessity an ersatz model. paper describes promising ITO with point-wise gain smooth or binary symmetrical topologies, for extended density distribution function (DDF) was constructed describe topology. Two benchmarks stiffness-maximization problem compliant mechanism studied context above issues. Finally, several topologically optimized designs symmetry obtained using method.