U.S.-Tunisia Cooperative Research: Combined Cellular Automata and Multigrid Methods for Structural Topology Design

项目描述：该项目支持弗吉尼亚理工学院和州立大学工程科学与力学系Zafar Gurdal博士和突尼斯国家工程学院（ENIT）土木工程系Hichem Smaoui博士的合作研究。本研究将开发一种基于元胞自动机（CA）范式和多网格方法（MG）相结合的大型复杂结构设计数值优化方法，并在大型复杂结构设计的背景下研究这种新方法。与传统方法不同，CA不需要重复的系统级分析，因为它完全基于对分析和设计的局部问题解决。采用多重网格方法提高了算法的效率。这种创新的方法为具有巨大潜力的设计和分析提供了一种新的范例。这种方法将是大规模并行和更有效的比目前的设计优化算法。pi计划将该方法应用于具有高度精细网格的二维弹性连续体的拓扑优化，以及复合材料板的拓扑和纤维取向优化。研究范围：开发自动化的工程设计方法具有重大的意义，并将继续是一个重要的问题。多网格方法在设计环境中的应用可以从本项目中获得的经验中受益。研究结果可能会改变工业的设计范式，从而产生重大影响。该方法可以从结构设计扩展到其他多学科设计优化领域和系统识别，并将使许多领域的优化更有效，并允许它们得到更广泛的应用，特别是非线性问题。该项目将通过在突尼斯开设一门相关课程来加强教学，并通过研究生的参与和一名女博士生的参与来加强学习。预计美国和突尼斯研究所的研究小组之间将发展强有力的伙伴关系。由于两位研究人员已经在该领域进行了初步工作，预计合作将成功完成拟议的工作。将有来自突尼斯和VPI的研究生参加，他们将一起工作。预期结果将广泛传播。

0353186 GurdalDescription: This project supports collaborative research between Dr. Zafar Gurdal, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Institute of Technology and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia and Dr. Hichem Smaoui, Department of Civil Engineering, Ecole National d'Ingenieurs de Tunis (ENIT), Tunis, Tunisia. The research will develop a numerical design optimization methodology based on a combination of the cellular automata (CA) paradigm and multigrid methods (MG) for the design of large complex structures, and to investigate the new methodology in the context of design of large complex structures. Unlike the traditional approach, the CA does not require repetitive system level analyses, as it is based completely on local problem solving for both analysis and design. Multigrid methods are used to improve its efficiency. This innovative approach offers a new paradigm to design and analysis with great potential. This approach will be massively parallel and much more efficient than present design optimization algorithms. The PIs plan to apply this methodology to the topology optimization of 2-D elastic continua with highly refined grids, and to the topology and fiber orientation optimization of composite plates. Scope: Developing automated methods for engineering design is of immense significance, and will remain an important problem. The application of multi-grid approach in the design environment can benefit from the experience to be gained in this project. The results may change design paradigm for industry and thus have a major impact. The approach may be extended beyond structural design to other areas of multidisciplinary design optimization and to system identification, and would make many areas of optimization more efficient and allow them to be more widely applied, especially to nonlinear problems. The project would enhance teaching through the development of an associated course in Tunisia, and learning through the involvement of graduate students, with participation of a female Ph.D. student. A strong partnership is expected to develop between the research groups at the U.S. and Tunisian institutes. It is expected that the collaboration will be successful in completing the proposed work since the two researchers have already done preliminary work in the area. There will be participation of graduate students from Tunisia and VPI who will be working together. Widespread dissemination of results is expected.