Enhancing Data-driven Multiscale Topology Optimization with Generalized De-homogenization

Abstract

De-homogenization is becoming an effective method to significantly expedite the design of high-resolution multiscale structures, but existing methods have thus far been confined to simple static compliance minimization. There are two critical challenges to be addressed in accommodating general cases: enabling the design of unit-cell orientation and using free-form microstructures. In this paper, we propose a data-driven de-homogenization method that allows effective design of the unit-cell orientation angles and conformal mapping of spatially varying, complex microstructures. We devise a parameterized microstructure composed of rods in different directions to provide more diversity in stiffness while retaining geometrical simplicity. The microstructural geometry-property relationship is then surrogated by a neural network to avoid costly homogenization. A Cartesian representation of the unit-cell orientation is incorporated into homogenization-based optimization to design the angles. Corresponding high-resolution multiscale structures are obtained from the homogenization-based designs through a conformal mapping constructed with sawtooth function fields. This allows us to assemble complex microstructures with an oriented and compatible tiling pattern, while preserving the local homogenized properties. To demonstrate our method with a specific application, we optimize the frequency response of structures under harmonic excitations within a given frequency range. It is the first time that a sawtooth function is applied in a de-homogenization framework for complex design scenarios beyond static compliance minimization. The examples illustrate that multiscale structures can be generated with high efficiency and much better dynamic performance compared with the macroscale-only optimization. Beyond frequency response design, our proposed framework can be applied to other general problems.