Topological Optimization of 2D Potential Problems Using Boundary Elements and Genetic Algorithms

C.ANFLOR; A.P.CISILINO; R.MARCZAK; H.SANT’ANNA

Montreal, Canadá

Congreso; International Conference on Boundary Element Techniques; 2005

Universidad de McGill e Imperial College

This work is concerned with the use of genetic algorithms (GA) applied to topology optimization of 2D potential problems using the boundary element methods (BEM). The paper briefly summarizes the basis of GA and introduces some elementary ideas on their applications along with BEM models. The external boundary of the problem remains fixed, while the position and dimension of the cavities within the domain are optimized in order obtain prescribed values of temperature and/or flux on selected portions of the boundary. Two approaches are followed for the inclusion of the cavities: circular holes of arbitrary radii and convex cavities defined by straight segments. The GA optimization parameters in the first case are the coordinates of the centres and the radii of circular holes, while the positions of the points defining the perimeter of the cavities are used as parameters in the second approach. Some heat transfer benchmarks are analyzed and discussed.