Research progress on continuum topology optimization for lightweight structure design

In order to sort and study the continuum topology optimization methods in the lightweight design of mechanical structures, the main research results achieved in this field at home and abroad in recent years are analyzed and reviewed. With the goal of lightweight design, three types of continuum topology optimization methods, namely, multi-scale structure, iterative structural optimization and boundary description, and their applications, are reviewed by clustering analysis; the advantages and applications of approximation models and deep learning models in iterative structural optimization are analyzed, as well as the progress of research on the integration of materials-structures in the optimization of continuum topology design under multi-physical fields and multi-parameters, and the lightweight structural design methods are listed. It also lists the applications of lightweight structural design methods in the fields of aerospace, rail transportation, automotive engineering and weapon engineering, and points out the future development direction and trend of lightweight design, which provides a reference for the lightweight design of mechanical structures.