Topology optimization of conduction path in laminated metals composite materials

•First attempt to optimize the heat conduction path in laminated metallic materials between unequal isothermal surfaces.•The volume-of-solid method for homogeneous and isotopic materials shape design is extended to the composite materials.•Feasibility of the approach is validated by practical test cases.

A topology optimization method that can be used to optimize the conduction path in laminated metallic materials between unequal isothermal surfaces is proposed in this study. The volume-of-solid (VOS) method presented by Cheng and Chen [20] for homogeneous and isotopic materials shape design has been firstly applied to deal with the composite materials. The materials used to make the laminate largely determine the properties, costs, and thereby its suitability for different applications. In this study, three-layer laminated metallic composite materials are considered in the test problems. These metallic layers are made of copper, aluminum, stainless steel or iron. Two possible orientations of the composite materials, vertical and horizontal, are investigated. Optimal shapes of the thermal conduction path between a higher- and a lower-temperature isothermal surfaces are determined in order to maximize three different objective functions, namely Q˙/m,Q˙/VandQ˙/USD. By using the present approach, optimal thermal conduction paths leading to maximum heat transfer rate per unit mass, per unit volume, or per unit cost can be readily yielded.