Phase-field topology optimization model that removes the curvature effects

Abstract

The conventional phase-field topology optimization (PFTO) models minimize not only the objective function but also the interface energy. In the present study, a new PFTO model, which minimizes only the objective function, is developed by removing the curvature effect from the conventional PFTO model. Simulations of elastic strain energy minimization under a constant-volume constraint condition of a cantilever are performed using the developed and conventional PFTO models. From the simulation results, we confirm that the developed PFTO model that removes the curvature effects can efficiently optimize only the objective function.

Keywords

• phase-field method
• finite element method
• topology optimization
• maximum stiffness
• curvature