Zhihao Zuo

Autodesk · Simulation

This paper proposes a new algorithm for topology optimization by combining the features of genetic algorithms (GAs) and bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO). An efficient treatment of individuals and population for finite element models is presented which is different from traditional GAs application in structural design. GAs...

This paper presents a 100-line Python code for general 3D topology optimization. The code adopts the Abaqus Scripting Interface that provides convenient access to advanced finite element analysis (FEA). It is developed for the compliance minimization with a volume constraint using the Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO) metho...

This paper introduces a hierarchical concurrent design approach to maximizing the natural frequency of a structure. Multiple material phases are considered in the topology optimization performed on both the macro and micro scales. A general problem for composite structure and material design is formulated that contains the cellular design problem a...

Injection overmolding of thermoplastic over a continuous fiber reinforced composite is one of the new manufacturing approaches for automotive lightweighting which is emerging as a potential way to increase vehicle fuel economy. It not only takes advantage of excellent strength and stiffness properties of continuous fiber reinforced composite, but a...

An expanded framework for the use of user-defined routines inside a commercial injection molding simulation package is presented. This functionality allows external academic researchers to directly modify the injection molding simulation and obtain results for any newly proposed PVT, viscosity or core shift (fluid structure interaction) models in c...

The resulting optimal configuration, obtained by deterministic topology optimization, may represent a lower reliability level, and then lead to a higher failure rate. Therefore it is necessary to take into account reliability for topology optimization. By integrating reliability analysis into topology optimization problems, a simple reliability-bas...

This paper presents a concurrent topology optimization methodology for minimizing the frequency responses of multiscale systems composed of macro and micro phases. Although there is existing research on the topology optimization of structures and optimization of the materials for frequency responses, topology optimization approaches considering bot...

This article aims to reveal the power of modern structural topology optimisation technology for architectural design. Structural topology optimisation determines the best locations and shapes of cavities in the design domain; it is therefore capable of effectively generating both structurally efficient and architecturally innovative conceptual desi...

The shape of an underground opening is a major factor influencing the stability of the underground excavation. Obtaining an optimized shape is significant in civil and mining engineering applications for increasing stability and reducing costs. This paper presents an updated method for finding the optimal shape of an underground excavation using th...

This paper presents the application of modern topology optimisation technology to bridge design. Topology optimisation aims to determine the best locations and shapes of cavities in the design domain and therefore is capable of effectively dealing with structural design of infrastructure such as bridges. Several methods of topology optimisation hav...

From recent studies on natural composites such as nacre and bone, it has shown that the mechanical properties of the composite are significantly affected by the Poisson’s ratio of each constituent phase. In some cases it is found that when the Poisson’s ratio approaches the incompressibility limit, the stiffness of the composite in one or more dire...

Novel and efficient structural and material designs can be realized by topology optimization that is capable of maximizing the performance of structural systems under given constraints. The bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method has been developed into an effective tool for topology optimization of load-bearing structures...

The optimal design of periodic structures under the macro scale and that of periodic materials under the micro scale are treated differently by the current topology optimization techniques. Nevertheless, a material point in theory could be considered as a unit cell in a periodic structure if the number of unit cells approaches to infinity. In this...

Many natural and man-made materials exhibit self-similar hierarchical microstructures on several length scales. The effective macroscopic mechanical properties of such materials or composites are affected by the number of hierarchical levels and the topology of microstructures. Although the effective mechanical properties can be determined numerica...

This paper presents a topology optimization method for dynamic problems with an improved bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) technique. The sensitivity derivation for the frequency optimization problem in the case of multiple eigenvalues and for the stiffness–frequency optimization problem is proposed. Algorithms for a filter...

The current techniques for topology optimization of material microstructure are typically based on infinitely small and periodically repeating base cells. These base cells have no actual size. It is uncertain whether the topology of the microstructure obtained from such a material design approach could be translated into real structures of macrosca...

This paper deals with topology optimization of composite structure using Bi-directional Evolutional Structural Optimization (BESO) method. By redefining the criteria of the optimization evolution progress, the proposed method is able to extend current BESO method from isotropic material to anisotropic composite material. The initial modification of...

This paper proposes a method for topology optimization of periodic structures on dynamic problems by using an improved bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) technique. Frequency optimization and frequency-stiffness optimization are formulated for periodic continuum structures at the macroscopic level under arbitrary loadings and...

The mathematical development of structural topology optimization provides a mature tool for design optimization, although the application is still very limited in engineering practice. This paper intends to study the application of topology optimization in industrial design via commercial CAD software interfaces. An innovative numerical procedure f...

A rational approach to the mechanical design of wheel rims as a typical periodic structure is presented in the current work. With novel application of the latest bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization method, a procedure is presented for the optimal topological design of wheel rims. Design applications are studied with realistic loads o...

Topological design with multiple constraints is of great importance in practical engineering design problems. The present work extends the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method to multiple constraints of displacement and frequency in addition to the amount of material usage. Besides the binary design variables, the Lagra...

Frequency optimization is of great importance in the design of machines and structures subjected to dynamic loading. When the natural frequencies of considered structures are maximized using the solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) model, artificial localized modes may occur in areas where elements are assigned with lower density value...

One of the most important advantages of the BESO method is that it can be implemented easily as a post-processor to commercial FEA software packages such as ABAQUS, NASTRAN and ANSYS. However, the reliance on complex and expensive third-party programs severely limits the potential usage and wider applications of the BESO technique. Furthermore, a B...

Innovative and efficient architectural designs can be achieved by using topology optimisation algorithms that are capable of maximising the performance of a structural system and minimising its weight. The evolutionary structural optimisation (ESO) method has been well developed for this purpose. ESO is based on the simple concept of gradually remo...