A Hands-On Introduction to Topology Optimization

Topology optimization is an exciting and powerful method for generating insightful, high-performance designs. The objectives of this text are to introduce the readers to topology optimization terminology, illustrate various sensitivity analysis techniques, and, most importantly, provide numerous examples and case-studies to illustrate the merits of topology optimization. The primary audience include senior undergraduate students, first year graduate students and practicing engineers. No prior background in topology optimization is assumed. However, a working knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA) is helpful. Pareto, a topology optimization software developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is used throughout the text to illustrate the main concepts. However, the reader could potentially use other topology optimization software capable of handling the class of problems posed in this text.