Different views of the optimized B777 wing structure obtained with a giga resolution topology optimization frame work developed at DTU Mechanical
Engineering.
See changes real time without a super computer
The focus of the new InnoTop project is to find out how to make a new
design process that can be handled without a super computer, which
was necessary in order to obtain the first giga resolution result. The
goal is therefore to find methods that reduce the amount of calculation
times by 4-5 orders of magnitude in order for regular computers to
handle it.
The reduction of calculations will partly be obtained by revitalizing the
first topology optimization method developed by Bendsøe from DTU
and Kikuchi from the University of Michigan back in 1988. The original
method was since then abandoned, but offers a multiscale approach,
which Ole Sigmund and Niels Aage find promising.
Revitalization of an old method for topology
optimization
The original method contains multiscale information about density
distribution. The way of working with information in the 30-year-old
method has so far inspired to reduce computing times by almost two
orders of magnitude in 2D and more is expected in 3D.
“We are collaborating with international and local colleagues to
transform the multiscale information of the old method into 3D
structures by computer graphics methodologies, which can be used in
CAD systems. CAD systems will make it possible to implement our new
“My vision is to be able to give industry the
tools for a new process before the InnoTop
project ends in six years,”
method in companies and organizations that already use CAD for design
processes. Our aim is that the new method will be able to deliver a
quality just as good as the giga resolution we obtained with the super
computer when we developed the new Boing 777 wing design”, says
Ole Sigmund.
New kind of design process
When all information on multiscale and microscale structures is
gathered in a CAD system for example, it will be possible to show
the design evolve in real time. Different technical experts can work
together and simultaneously give their inputs and restrictions to
the design of an aircraft wing for example, no matter whether it
concerns energy optimization, passenger experience, weight, material
composition or another parameter. It will all be mixed in the new
method and give the involved experts the possibility to see how the
design evolves when they change one of the parameters. Exactly as
you are able to see the design change in real time in the TopOpt apps
today.
“In that way, we are able to create a much more efficient design
process, which will be a game changer. Many different industries will
20 Improved ways for designing big, complex structures