Sequence-Based Environment for Topology Optimization

This article proposes a new topology optimization (TO) method which transforms the material distribution problem into a movement sequence search problem for a controller moving in the design space. This method enforces connectivity between the cells in the discretized design domain that contains the same material. This removes the need for any filtering or smoothing of the optimal result to obtain a manufacturable design. The validity of this method is proved by employing a genetic algorithm on a C-core electromagnetic actuator and a synchronous reluctance motor problem. The results obtained showed similar performance when compared with a conventional discrete TO method. This method also provides the ability to leverage the use of different search techniques such as tree search algorithms.