Integration of Structural Topology Optimization in a MDO Framework

In this paper we present the developments of a topology optimization module to be integrated in a MDO framework. We are using the Solid Isotropic Material Penalization method to solve the minimum compliance problem. And, to avoid checker-board pattern and mesh-dependency, we have implement the sensitivity lter (or mesh independent lter) and three morphological based density lters. The structural analysis is solved with a inhouse FEM code. To validate this code as also the topology optimization algorithm we solved the well known problem of the cantilever beam with a dead load at the free edge, whereas three-dimensional implementation was validated with a modi ed version of this problem. Once validated, we used the module to optimize the main spar of a wing and to optimize the material distribution in a wing core. We used this last case study to analyse the in uence of the lter used in the optimization, the initial design de nition, and some problem parameters.