Combinatorics

Finite element method

Topology (electrical circuits)

Mathematics

Domain (mathematical analysis)

Structural engineering

Operating system

Computer Aided Design

Mathematical optimization

Engineering

Mathematical analysis

Topology optimization

Engineering drawing

Computer science

Isogeometric analysis

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Topology Optimization (TO) is a powerful numerical technique to determine the optimal material layout in a design domain, which has accepted considerable developments in recent years. The classic Finite Element Method (FEM) is applied to compute the unknown structural responses in TO. However, several numerical deficiencies of the FEM significantly influence the effectiveness and efficiency of TO. In order to eliminate the negative influence of the FEM on TO, IsoGeometric Analysis (IGA) has become a promising alternative due to its unique feature that the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) model can be unified into a same mathematical model. In the paper, the main intention is to provide a comprehensive overview for the developments of Isogeometric Topology Optimization (ITO) in methods and applications. Finally, some prospects for the developments of ITO in the future are also presented.

A Comprehensive Review of Isogeometric Topology Optimization: Methods, Applications and Prospects