Publications
LDRD Final Report: Topology Optimization for Nonlinear Transient Applications Using a Minimally Invasive Approach
The purpose of this project was to devise, implement, and demonstrate a method that can use Sandias existing analysis codes (e.g., Sierra, Alegra, the CTH hydro code) with minimal modification to generate objective function gradients for optimization-based design in tran- sient, non-linear, coupled-physics applications. The approach uses a Moving Least Squares representation of the geometry to substantially reduce the number of geometric degrees of freedom. A Multiple-Program Multiple-Data computing model is then used to compute ob- jective gradients via finite differencing. Details of the formulation and implementation are provided, and example applications are presented that show effectiveness and scalability of the approach.