Topology optimization of microstructures for multi-functional graded composites

Abstract

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are inhomogeneous composites which are characterized by gradual variation in their physical properties. This study proposes a computational approach based on the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) for topologically designing microstructures of such materials with multi-functional properties, e.g. bulk modulus and thermal conductivity. It is assumed that the base cells are composed of two constituents. The smooth transition between adjacent base cells is realized by considering three base cells at each stage of the optimization. Effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach has been demonstrated by several numerical examples.