Topology optimization provides great convenience to designers during the designing stage in many industrial applications. With this method, designers can obtain a rough model of any part at the beginning of a designing stage by defining loading and boundary conditions. At the same time the optimization can be used for the modification of a product which is being used. Lengthy solution time is a disadvantage of this method. Therefore, the method cannot be widespread. In order to eliminate this disadvantage, an element removal algorithm has been developed for topology optimization. In this study, the element removal algorithm is applied on 3-dimensional parts, and the results are compared with the ones available in the related literature. In addition, the effects of the method on solution times are investigated.

The aim of this study is developing a new algorithm to design fiber angle and layer number of laminated composite plates. In this algorithm, fiber angles are determined using stress values and layer numbers are determined using maximum stress failure theory. Different design domains are used under different loading conditions and results are investigated to show the performance of the algorithm. Design time of composite materials is decreased and design performance is increased using this algorithm. More effective materials can be developed with respect to different loading conditions. POLYM. COMPOS., 00:000-000,

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Abstract. Application of topology optimization to fixation plates is the main consideration of this paper. The interbody fusion plates are required to give mechanical support to tibia with minimally invasive surgical procedure. Topology optimization is used to obtain fixation plates with possible minimum material usage. Topology optimization is applied to three types of plates which are used in upper tibial osteotomy. Initial design of the plates are first numerically modelled and then investigated for stresses under possible highest load values. The results of the analysis indicated that the plates are very stiff even under high loads. Application of topology optimization to plates yielded minimized weight and material usage while keeping the plates still adequate for possible high load values. It was also revealed that up to 50% of mass could be saved by an optimal implant design.

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