An efficient on-line algorithm for the optimal design of multi-material structures under thermal loads

Abstract In this study, the edge-based smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM) and reduced-basis method are combined to form an efficient on-line algorithm for the optimal design of multi-material structures under thermal loads. The ES-FEM is utilized to construct the heat transfer stiffness matrix, which is much more accurate than traditional FEM. Then, the reduced-basis method is developed as a forward solver to obtain thermal responses of multi-material structures, which can significantly reduce the computational effort of each forward analysis. Finally, the genetic algorithm is employed as the inverse solver to determine appropriate value of each design variable. Several numerical examples are fully investigated and it is shown that the presented algorithm is accurate and efficient enough for the optimal design of multi-material structures.