Using Topology Optimization in an Undergraduate Classroom Setting
- Conference
- Location
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Minneapolis, MN
- Publication Date
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August 23, 2022
- Start Date
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June 26, 2022
- End Date
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June 29, 2022
- Conference Session
- Page Count
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10
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--40381
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/40381
- Download Count
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334
Paper Authors
Subodh Subedi University of Wisconsin - Madison
Subodh C. Subedi is a PhD candidate at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is currently working towards his PhD on design for metal additive manufacturing. During his graduate studies, he has worked as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for courses such as Machine Component design, Computer Aided Engineering, and Design Optimization. He is passionate about teaching and has been mentoring undergraduate students in Capstone projects.
Apart from graduate studies, he has been actively involved in helping undergraduate student teams for multiple SAE, ASME competitions.
Subodh has conducted workshop for high-school students encouraging them to take up engineering. He is regularly involved in multiple outreach events such as state science fairs and expos, sharing his passion for engineering and science. Mr. Subedi has worked as a mechanical engineer in design, manufacturing, installation, testing and commissioning of power projects. He holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, India, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of North Dakota and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Krishnan Suresh University of Wisconsin - Madison
Abstract
Technological advances have significantly reduced lead times in product design. One such advancement is topology optimization (TO) which generates optimal designs to meet specific product specifications. TO is rapidly being adopted by the industry as many commercial computer aided-design (CAD) platforms now provide in-built modules for TO. This necessitates training of engineering workforce. In this paper, we discuss the results of a study carried out to quantify the impact of introducing TO to junior undergraduate mechanical engineering students. In this study, students were asked to minimize the weight of a structure by removing material, through trial-and-error, while constantly verifying its performance using finite element analysis (FEA). The students were then asked to optimize the same structure, this time using topology optimization. Results from both approaches were compared for lead time and performance. The trial-and-error approach was significantly worse both in lead time, and design performance, compared to the TO-driven approach. Finally, a course project that involved minimizing the weight of a complex structural component was assigned. Students were able to generate unique designs based on different simulation parameters and constraints chosen during TO. Thus, a state-of-art design tool was gradually introduced to underclassmen, through lecture, lab exercises and course projects. This study shows that TO can indeed be deployed in a class-room setting to help better prepare the students as they enter the workforce.
Subedi, S., & Suresh, K. (2022, August), Using Topology Optimization in an Undergraduate Classroom Setting Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--40381
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