Optiworks: A human-centric framework for high-resolution topology optimization

Advancements in additive manufacturing have significantly broadened the application of topology optimization. However, the mathematical complexity of these formulations often hinders rapid progress in research and usability. This paper introduces Optiworks, an all-in-one human-centric desktop application that simplifies the entire optimization process from domain initialization to the export of the final optimized design. The software incorporates two key algorithms: the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) and Smooth-Edged Material Distribution for Optimizing Topology (SEMDOT). Users can select the most suitable method based on their specific needs. Additional features of Optiworks include symmetry enforcement to expedite optimization, static analysis to assess the impact of design changes on total displacement, equivalent strain, and von-mises stress, and the generation of smooth boundaries even with relatively coarse meshes. These capabilities eliminate the need for further post-processing, allowing users to directly export the optimized output as an STL file for immediate 3D printing. Several numerical examples demonstrate the software’s effectiveness.