Application of surface-based smoothing methods for topology optimization results

Abstract

Topology optimization (TO) is becoming an essential part of designing new or modifying current parts to improve their properties. A typical problem of TO in structural applications is minimizing compliance with volume (mass) constraints. TO is often complemented by additive manufacturing which allows the printing of complex geometries. Resulting geometries are dependent on the used method, most of the time it is the finite element method. The exported geometry from the optimization procedure, however, tends to have a lot of sharp edges, which causes problems with stress distribution, aesthetics and manufacturing (even if it is additive manufactured). The aim of this paper is to review, apply smoothing techniques on the surface of bodies, Laplacian and Taubin smoothing, and compare the results of smoothing. To fulfill this aim, we developed a smoothing procedure and evaluated the criteria of smoothed-out polymer geometries.