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How to define a prescribed initial guess for a topology optimization problem?

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Dear Mr./Miss.,

In topology optimization, different initial guess may result in different final topologies. In COMSOL “topology optimization node”, if initial value of the design variable theta==1, which means at the starting point, the value of theta within the entire design domain remains the same.

My enquiry: Is it possible to start the optimization with a prescribed initial design?

For instance, in fluid topology optimization problem, instead of being initiated with a uniform theta==1 (fluid), how could I use a traditional parallel channel as an initial guess? The parallel channel layout can be accessed in the attached figure, please kindly check the attachment.

Best regards, Hao LI



2 Replies Last Post Feb 15, 2019, 5:12 a.m. EST
Edgar J. Kaiser Certified Consultant

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Posted: 5 years ago Feb 15, 2019, 4:46 a.m. EST

Hao Li,

you can use the image function to import a picture and assign the color values with appropriate scaling to a spatial distribution, say im1(x, y). In the optimizer you would then use this distribution im1(x, y) as start distribution.

Cheers Edgar

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Edgar J. Kaiser
emPhys Physical Technology
www.emphys.com
Hao Li, you can use the image function to import a picture and assign the color values with appropriate scaling to a spatial distribution, say im1(x, y). In the optimizer you would then use this distribution im1(x, y) as start distribution. Cheers Edgar

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Posted: 5 years ago Feb 15, 2019, 5:12 a.m. EST

Hao Li,

you can use the image function to import a picture and assign the color values with appropriate scaling to a spatial distribution, say im1(x, y). In the optimizer you would then use this distribution im1(x, y) as start distribution.

Cheers Edgar

Dear Edgar,

Thank you very much for your kind instruction. Your proposed method does work!

Best regards, Hao

>Hao Li, > >you can use the image function to import a picture and assign the color values with appropriate scaling to a spatial distribution, say im1(x, y). In the optimizer you would then use this distribution im1(x, y) as start distribution. > >Cheers >Edgar Dear Edgar, Thank you very much for your kind instruction. Your proposed method does work! Best regards, Hao

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