Computer program for directed structure topology optimization

To compensate for the imperfection of traditional bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization, material interpolation scheme and sensitivity filter functions are introduced. A suitable filter can overcome the checkerboard and mesh-dependency. And the historical information on accurate elemental sensitivity numbers are used to keep the objective function converging steadily. Apart from rational intervals of the relevant important parameters, the concept of distinguishing between active and non-active elements design is proposed, which can be widely used for improving the function and artistry of structures directly, especially for a one whose accurate size is not given. Furthermore, user-friendly software packages are developed to enhance its accessibility for practicing engineers and architects. And to reduce the time cost for large time-consuming complex structure optimization, parallel computing is built-in in the MATLAB codes. The program is easy to use for engineers who may not be familiar with either FEA or structure optimization. And developers can make a deep research on the algorithm by changing the MATLAB codes. Several classical examples are given to show that the improved BESO method is superior for its handy and utility computer program software.