Topic: 24th NIA CFD Seminar: The Level Set Method applied to Structural Topology Optimization

Speaker: Peter Dunning

Date: Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Time: 11:00am – noon

Location: NIA, Room 101

Dr. Peter Dunning is a recently appointed Research Scholar at NIA. He received his Ph.D in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Bath, UK in 2011. His research focussed on robust structural topology optimization using the level set method. He then worked at an engineering consultancy, specialising in FEA, before joining NIA at the start of 2013. He is currently working at extending the capability of the level set optimization approach for application to wing internal structure design.

Abstract:

This presentation will review how the level set method can be applied to solve problems in structural topology optimization. Traditional topology optimization methods rely on finding the optimal distribution of material within a discretized domain. This approach often leads to solutions with fuzzy, unclear boundaries and areas of partial material. This ambiguity can make solutions difficult to interpret. The benefit of the level set approach is that the position of the structural boundary can be extracted from the implicit level set function, avoiding any ambiguity. The presentation will provide an overview of the level set topology optimization approach and discuss the challenges it presents.

Additional information, including the webcast link, can be found at the NIA CFD Seminar website, which is temporarily located at

http://www.hiroakinishikawa.com/niacfds/

Coffee and refreshments will be provided.