Topology optimization in multiphysics problems

Abstract

The topology optimization method is applied to the design of structures modelled in multiple physical domains. The extensions include coupled finite element analyses, constitutive modelling of elements with intermediate densities, adjoint sensitivity analysis and formulation of optimization problems with multiple constraints. A possible application of multiphysics topology optimization methods is in the design MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS). MEMS are microscopic mechanical systems coupled with electrical circuits. Typically, modelling of MEMS requires analyses in multiple physical domains. Here the design of electrothermomechanically coupled MEMS will be considered.