Density-based topology optimization of piezocomposite material using perturbation analysis and isogeometric analysis methods

authored by: Bin Li, S. S. Nanthakumar, Xiaoying Zhuang
Abstract: Piezoelectric composites are critical functional materials in advanced technologies, including sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. Optimizing their microstructural configurations is essential for enhancing their performance in practical applications. In this study, we propose a novel density-based topology optimization framework for designing piezoelectric composite microstructures using isogeometric analysis (IGA). By integrating perturbation analysis, our approach simplifies the homogenization process and enables direct sensitivity analysis. Due to the smooth interpolation characteristics of IGA, the optimized density distribution produces a continuous surface with intermediate values. To obtain clear structural boundaries for practical implementation, a heuristic scheme inspired by the level-set method is employed, using a density threshold to precisely define interfaces. This methodology provides a straightforward and computationally efficient solution for piezocomposite design. Results demonstrate that optimized composites exhibit significantly improved performance compared to conventional pure piezoelectric materials.
Organisation(s): Institute of Photonics
External Organisation(s): Tongji University
Type: Article
Journal: Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization
Volume: 68
ISSN: 1615-147X
Publication date: 15.11.2025
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Software, Control and Systems Engineering, Computer Science Applications, Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design, Control and Optimization
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-025-04170-0 (Access: Open)
: Details in the research portal "Research@Leibniz University"

BibTeX

@article{ee583ce5ca014f4e851ea0f6e5e1885e,
title = "Density-based topology optimization of piezocomposite material using perturbation analysis and isogeometric analysis methods",
abstract = "Piezoelectric composites are critical functional materials in advanced technologies, including sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. Optimizing their microstructural configurations is essential for enhancing their performance in practical applications. In this study, we propose a novel density-based topology optimization framework for designing piezoelectric composite microstructures using isogeometric analysis (IGA). By integrating perturbation analysis, our approach simplifies the homogenization process and enables direct sensitivity analysis. Due to the smooth interpolation characteristics of IGA, the optimized density distribution produces a continuous surface with intermediate values. To obtain clear structural boundaries for practical implementation, a heuristic scheme inspired by the level-set method is employed, using a density threshold to precisely define interfaces. This methodology provides a straightforward and computationally efficient solution for piezocomposite design. Results demonstrate that optimized composites exhibit significantly improved performance compared to conventional pure piezoelectric materials.",
keywords = "Homogenization, Isogeometric analysis, Perturbation analysis, Piezocomposites, Topology optimization",
author = "Bin Li and Nanthakumar, {S. S.} and Xiaoying Zhuang",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} The Author(s) 2025.",
year = "2025",
month = nov,
day = "15",
doi = "10.1007/s00158-025-04170-0",
language = "English",
volume = "68",
journal = "Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization",
issn = "1615-147X",
publisher = "Springer Verlag",
number = "12",
}

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