Optimal topology design of dissipative structures

This project is concerned with the crashworthiness design of structures. The aim of the project is to develop basic optimization concepts for the lay-out design (topology design) of dissipative systems. Presently computational cost prevents the large scale optimization to be coupled with a full crash analysis. Moreover, it is unclear how the basic design modelling of continuum topology design can be applied to such problems. The key idea is thus to simplify the modelling of geometry, analysis and design - using groundstructure type ideas - to an extent where central concepts can be developed emphasizing the design optimization perspective, while capturing the fundamental physics of the problem.