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.