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Investigation of topology optimization methods for thermally loaded components

Håkansson, Patric LU and Granberg, Markus (2026) MMKM05 20261
Innovation
Abstract
The recent development of metal additive manufacturing has opened up new
opportunities for component design, enabling the production of more complex
structures than previously possible. This newfound freedom can be exploited to
reduce mass, improve structural performance and adapt the geometry to specific
requirements. Topology optimization is an effective tool for utilizing this design
freedom, and can be particularly valuable in creating concept designs in the early
stages of the development process.
This thesis aims to explore the possibilities and challenges of using topology
optimization in the design process for hot structures in aircraft turbofan engines.
More specifically, it investigates optimization methods for use in... (More)
The recent development of metal additive manufacturing has opened up new
opportunities for component design, enabling the production of more complex
structures than previously possible. This newfound freedom can be exploited to
reduce mass, improve structural performance and adapt the geometry to specific
requirements. Topology optimization is an effective tool for utilizing this design
freedom, and can be particularly valuable in creating concept designs in the early
stages of the development process.
This thesis aims to explore the possibilities and challenges of using topology
optimization in the design process for hot structures in aircraft turbofan engines.
More specifically, it investigates optimization methods for use in the design of the
hub component in a turbine rear structure (TRS), where the structure is subjected
mainly to thermal loading and must balance structural stiffness with sufficient
thermal compliance in order to relieve the structure of significant thermal stress.
In this thesis, a finite element analysis (FEA) workflow was developed using a
global assembly simulation. Boundary conditions from the global model were
transferred to the hub through submodelling, allowing the structural response of the
hub component to be analysed without modelling the full assembly. The submodel
could then be linked to a design-space model, allowing structural optimization to be
performed with the transferred loads and boundary conditions.
The thesis presents an early-stage development process for structural optimization
of components under mainly thermal load conditions, as well as the remaining
challenges in developing a workflow suitable for industrial application. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Håkansson, Patric LU and Granberg, Markus
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Undersökning av topologioptimeringsmetoder för termiskt belastade komponenter
course
MMKM05 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Topology Optimization, Turbine Rear Structure, Thermal Compliance, Submodelling, Finite element analysis.
language
English
id
9243719
date added to LUP
2026-06-24 15:58:46
date last changed
2026-06-24 15:58:46
@misc{9243719,
  abstract     = {{The recent development of metal additive manufacturing has opened up new
opportunities for component design, enabling the production of more complex
structures than previously possible. This newfound freedom can be exploited to
reduce mass, improve structural performance and adapt the geometry to specific
requirements. Topology optimization is an effective tool for utilizing this design
freedom, and can be particularly valuable in creating concept designs in the early
stages of the development process.
This thesis aims to explore the possibilities and challenges of using topology
optimization in the design process for hot structures in aircraft turbofan engines.
More specifically, it investigates optimization methods for use in the design of the
hub component in a turbine rear structure (TRS), where the structure is subjected
mainly to thermal loading and must balance structural stiffness with sufficient
thermal compliance in order to relieve the structure of significant thermal stress.
In this thesis, a finite element analysis (FEA) workflow was developed using a
global assembly simulation. Boundary conditions from the global model were
transferred to the hub through submodelling, allowing the structural response of the
hub component to be analysed without modelling the full assembly. The submodel
could then be linked to a design-space model, allowing structural optimization to be
performed with the transferred loads and boundary conditions.
The thesis presents an early-stage development process for structural optimization
of components under mainly thermal load conditions, as well as the remaining
challenges in developing a workflow suitable for industrial application.}},
  author       = {{Håkansson, Patric and Granberg, Markus}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Investigation of topology optimization methods for thermally loaded components}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}