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Topology optimization using PETSc: An easy-to-use, fully parallel, open source topology optimization framework

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Abstract

This paper presents a flexible framework for parallel and easy-to-implement topology optimization using the Portable and Extendable Toolkit for Scientific Computing (PETSc). The presented framework is based on a standardized, and freely available library and in the published form it solves the minimum compliance problem on structured grids, using standard FEM and filtering techniques. For completeness a parallel implementation of the Method of Moving Asymptotes is included as well. The capabilities are exemplified by minimum compliance and homogenization problems. In both cases the unprecedented fine discretization reveals new design features, providing novel insight. The code can be downloaded from www.topopt.dtu.dk/PETSc.

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Notes

  1. For other operating systems please follow the guidelines on www.mcs.anl.gov/petsc. After PETSc is installed, the compilation of the TopOpt application is done similar to that described in section 2.2.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support from the Villum foundation through the NextTop project, the Danish Research Agency through the innovation consortium F ∙MAT and the LaScISO project (Grant No. 285782). Fruitful discussions with members of the DTU TopOpt-group are also gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Technical University of Denmark, Nils Koppels Alle, B.404, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

    Niels Aage, Erik Andreassen & Boyan Stefanov Lazarov

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  1. Niels Aage
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  2. Erik Andreassen
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  3. Boyan Stefanov Lazarov
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Correspondence to Niels Aage.

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Aage, N., Andreassen, E. & Lazarov, B.S. Topology optimization using PETSc: An easy-to-use, fully parallel, open source topology optimization framework. Struct Multidisc Optim 51, 565–572 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-014-1157-0

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