Model-based, multi-material topology optimization taking into account cost and manufacturability

Multi-material topology optimization has become a popular design optimization discipline since it allows to go a step further in topology optimization of the design of lightweight components and structures. However, it also presents additional challenges in terms of managing a higher complexity in the optimization problem, reliably estimating the manufacturing cost taking into account the cost of joining dissimilar materials, or assessing the manufacturability of the design. This paper proposes a set of methods that solve generic multi-material topology optimization problems, while including several novel aspects such as a comprehensive cost model, specific design rules for multi-material design, and model order reduction techniques to improve the computational efficiency. Two different examples, consisting of a sitting bench and a car cowling, have been solved in order to support the benefits of the approach.