Defining non-design regions for topology optimization of organic geometries

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Good evening,

I am designing an orthopedic, handle-like device intended to be held in the hand, and the final step of my workflow is topology optimization.

The geometry is generated from a 3D scan of the hand; therefore, most of the dimensions are non-parametric and the shape is highly organic. A portion of the device is in direct contact with the hand and its external shape must be preserved for ergonomic reasons.

I would like to perform topology optimization while keeping this contact region unchanged. However, due to its organic shape, this portion cannot be easily isolated using simple geometric primitives such as boxes, cylinders, or spheres. I can select the contact surface itself (I have partitioned the surface were I need), but I am unsure how to correctly partition the volume so that this region is excluded from the design domain.

Is it possible to perform topology optimization while leaving a surface (and an underlying thickness of material) untouched? If so, what is the recommended approach to define the non-design region in this case?

I am attaching a screenshot of the device; the highlighted surface corresponds to the hand–contact area.

Thank you very much in advance for your help.



1 Reply Last Post 2026年1月6日 GMT+8 15:41
Acculution ApS Certified Consultant

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Posted: 1 day ago 2026年1月6日 GMT+8 15:41

You can select the contact boundaries and force material there under the topopt node. Not sure what you mean by 'underlying thickness' though.

-------------------
René Christensen, PhD
Acculution ApS
www.acculution.com
info@acculution.com
You can select the contact boundaries and force material there under the topopt node. Not sure what you mean by 'underlying thickness' though.

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