Application of Topology Optimization for Crash with LS-OPT/Topology

Since end of 2009 a new software tool LS-OPT/Topology is available from LSTC. With LS-OPT/Topology nonlinear topology optimization with LS-DYNA can be applied for static and even for dynamic problems. The underlying method is Hybrid Cellular Automata (HCA) which is a heuristic, gradient-free approach. The objective is to obtain a structure with uniform internal energy density subject to a given mass fraction. In the current version LS- OPT/Topology-1.0, topology optimization with hexahedron solid elements, material *MAT_024 and some established contacts is possible for single and for multiple load cases. In this paper, first experience with the HCA-methodology and the application of LS-OPT/Topology to industrial problems is demonstrated. Capabilities and limitations of the new implementation will be highlighted.