PyTOPress: Python code for topology optimization with design-dependent pressure loads

TL;DR

PyTOPress is an open-source Python tool for topology optimization of structures under design-dependent pressure loads, making complex fluid-structure interaction problems more accessible for educational and research purposes.

Contribution

It introduces a Python implementation of topology optimization with design-dependent pressure loads, based on the MATLAB code TOPress, using efficient numerical methods and open-source libraries.

Findings

Successfully optimized pressure load-bearing structures using PyTOPress.

Demonstrated ease of use and effectiveness of the Python code.

Validated results against known benchmarks.

Abstract

Python is a low-cost and open-source substitute for the MATLAB programming language. This paper presents ``\texttt{PyTOPress}", a compact Python code meant for pedagogical purposes for topology optimization for structures subjected to design-dependent fluidic pressure loads. \texttt{PyTOPress}, based on the ``\texttt{TOPress}" MATLAB code \cite{kumar2023topress}, is built using the \texttt{NumPy} and \texttt{SciPy} libraries. The applied pressure load is modeled using the Darcy law with the conceptualized drainage term. From the obtained pressure field, the constant nodal loads are found. The employed method makes it easier to compute the load sensitivity using the adjoint-variable method at a low cost. The topology optimization problems are solved herein by minimizing the compliance of the structure with a constraint on material volume. The method of moving asymptotes is employed to update the design variables. The effectiveness and success of \texttt{PyTOPress} code are demonstrated by optimizing a few design-dependent pressure loadbearing problems. The code is freely available at https://github.com/PrabhatIn/PyTOPress.