Structural topology optimization method with adaptive support design

Topology optimization has undergone rapid development in the past three decades. Conventional optimization techniques usually optimize the material distribution with predefined boundary constraints, where the material usage, type, and layout of the support are not accounted for. In this study, we propose a new method that performs topology optimization with adaptive support design (ASD). This method allows us to prescribe the constraint direction, optimize the support layout, and control the layout complexity during the structural formfinding process. In the ASD method, the structural boundary is constrained using truss elements, and the support layout is iteratively updated according to their efficiency. Five typical numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. The results show that, compared with the conventional optimization techniques, the presented method is capable of generating highly efficient structural designs with significantly reduced support material. By changing, e.g., the material usage, type, and layout of the support, structurally optimized and topologically different designs could be generated. The ASD method can be used to produce high-performance structure-support forms, as well as diverse and competitive designs. This work holds a potential in, e.g., engineering practice and transdisciplinary computational morphogenesis.