Creo Topology Optimization > Examples > Example 6: Topology Design to Maximize Heat Conduction
  
Example 6: Topology Design to Maximize Heat Conduction
Use the model heat_sink.prt, a bracket, for this example.
Description
This example demonstrates how to use topology optimization to design a light structure that has good heat conductivity.
Highlighted features
Min Heat Transfer Compliance, Mass Fraction constraint, Periodical (Repeating pattern) fabrication constraints
Optimization problem statement
The following optimization problem will be created and solved:
Objective:
Minimize Heat Transfer Compliance
Subject to:
Mass fraction <= 0.2
When the objective is to minimize heat transfer compliance, the purpose is to maximize the heat conduction in the given design space.
Analysis
The example contains one analysis. The loads/constraints are shown in the image below:
Mesh control
Maximum element size: 2 mm
Topology region
References:
The bracket component, excluding volume region 1, as shown in the image below:
Init. mass fraction: 0.2
When you use mass fraction as constraint, it is recommended to use the same constraint bound value as the initial mass fraction value.
Fabrication constraints:
Repeating pattern along the X axis of coordinate system CS0, pitch = 25 mm
Repeating pattern along the Z axis of coordinate system CS0, pitch = 25 mm
Minimum member size: 4 mm
It is recommended to set the Minimum member size to at least twice the mesh element size.
Spread fraction: 0.5
Design objective
Minimize Heat Transfer Compliance
Design constraint
Mass fraction <= 0.2
Optimization study
The study refers to the defined topology region, design objectives, and constraints
Advanced settings:
Maximum Design Cycles = 50
Add the DOPT parameter TPQVOL, and set value as 0.
Setting the DOPT parameter TPQVOL to 0 will cause the program not to scale QVOL (Internal Heat Generation) with element densities, and therefore the heat is kept constant during topology optimization. This is desired when you perform topology optimization with internal heat generation.
For analysis output files, only the first and last cycle are requested.
Use default settings for all other analysis and design parameters.
Topology Result
Topology density isosurface
Topology element density
Geometry Reconstruction
Tessellated model
Solid model