Software

Software

Researchers at the Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials have developed a series of topology optimisation software packages available for download.

Researchers at the Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials have developed a series of topology optimisation software packages available for download.

Researchers at the Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials have developed a series of topology optimisation software packages available for download.

BESO2D

BESO2D is a standalone program for topology optimisation for 2D structures using the latest BESO algorithms. BESO2D comes with a free license and has been introduced in 'Chapter 10 Computer Program BESO2D' by Zuo, Z.H. in the book Evolutionary Topology Optimisation of Continuum Structures: Methods and Applications, Huang, X. and Xie, Y.M. Chichester, England, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2010.

BESO in Python for general 3D topology optimisation

The following Python scripts are implementations of BESO for stiffness optimisation. The Python scripts take advantage of the advanced FEA capacities of the Abaqus* software and implement the Abaqus Scripting Interface (ASI).

These scripts are published in Zuo ZH, Xie YM (2015). A simple and compact Python code for complex 3D topology optimization. Advances in Engineering Software 85: 1-11. The source codes are explained in detail in this paper.

Python scripts available:

  • BESO_Basic.py [PY 5KB] (basic version of the Python code)
  • BESO_Adv_ML.py [PY 5KB] (advanced version with multiple load case capacities)
  • BESO_Adv_NL.py [PY 5KB] (advanced version with large deformation capacity)
  • PltResults.py [PY 2KB] (script for automatic display of optimised solution generated by the above scripts)

An improved version of the BESO 3D Python script is given below, which is much faster for large models.  Also provided are files of two example models (a 2D cantilever and a 3D bridge), created using Abaqus 2022.  The new Python script was written by Mr Yulin Xiong and Dr Xin Yan in 2023, based on the script BESO_Basic.py above.

Matlab Code

This is a simple MATLAB code for 2D topological stiffness optimisation. This code has been introduced in Chapter 4 of Evolutionary Topology Optimisation of Continuum Structures: Methods and Applications, by Huang, X. and Xie, Y.M., Chichester, England, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2010.

* ABAQUS is a trademark of SIMULIA.

Ameba Software

Ameba is a topology optimisation tool developed by Mike Xie’s team based on the BESO method. It is built on the Rhino Grasshopper platform. Users may, according to design requirements, apply different loading and boundary conditions to the initial design domain. Through an iterative computational process, Ameba will evolve the design domain into various shapes, and eventually reach an organic form that is structurally efficient.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information