Numerical instabilities in topology optimization: A survey on procedures dealing with checkerboards, mesh-dependencies and local minima

Abstract

In this paper we seek to summarize the current knowledge about numerical instabilities such as checkerboards, mesh-dependence and local minima occuring in applications of the topology optimization method. The checkerboard problem refers to the formation of regions of alternating solid and void elements ordered in a checkerboard-like fashion. The mesh-dependence problem refers to obtaining qualitatively different solutions for different mesh-sizes or discretizations. Local minima refers to the problem of obtaining different solutions to the same discretized problem when choosing different algorithmic parameters. We review the current knowledge on why and when these problems appear, and we list the methods with which they can be avoided and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.