Discussion Forum

I want to implement at topology optimization scheme that results in a multimaterial output in COMSOL. The reason I want to use COMSOL is because I have an existing topology optimization that relies on coupled structural and magnetic physics modules, but it can only decide between two materials. One material has a relative permeability of 1 but a lower Young's modulus, while the other has a relative permeability > 1, but a higher Young's modulus. I'd like to expand this to include void material (permeability = 1, E = 0) as well as the existing two materials.

Is it possible to implement a multi-material topology optimization scheme in COMSOL by modifying the interpolation type in the density model?

One method for doing this would be to modify the SIMP interpolation as described in this paper:

Zuo, W., Saitou, K. Multi-material topology optimization using ordered SIMP interpolation. Struct Multidisc Optim 55, 477–491 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-016-1513-3

However, I am not sure this can be done with the user defined interpolation.

Thanks.