Topology optimization of compliant structures and mechanisms using constructive solid geometry for 2-d and 3-d applications

This research focuses on the establishment of a constructive solid geometry-based topology optimization (CSG-TOM) technique for the design of compliant structure and mechanism. The novelty of the method lies in handling voids, non-design constraints, and irregular boundary shapes of the design domain, which are critical for any structural optimization. One of the most popular models of multi-objective genetic algorithm, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm is used as the optimization tool due to its ample applicability in a wide variety of problems and flexibility in providing non-dominated solutions. The CSG-TOM technique has been successfully applied for 2-D topology optimization of compliant mechanisms and subsequently extended to 3-D cases. For handling these cases, a new software framework involving optimization routine for geometry and mesh generation with FEA solver has been developed. The efficacy of the approach has been demonstrated for 2-D and 3-D geometries and also compared with state of the art techniques.