Sep 2026· Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Topology Optimization in Engineering
Abstract
Dynamic Topology Optimization (DTO) is a powerful technique for designing complex systems, particularly those exhibiting dynamic behavior, such as protein folding and cellular automata. Traditional topology optimization methods often rely on manually crafted constraints and iterative refinement, limiting their adaptability to intricate designs. This paper introduces a novel DTO approach leveraging reinforcement learning and evolutionary algorithms to automatically discover optimal topologies. We present a framework where the system's topology is iteratively refined through a reinforcement learning process, guided by a reward function that prioritizes efficiency and stability. This approach offers a more flexible and adaptive methodology compared to conventional methods, capable of handling complex, multi-dimensional designs. The core mechanism centers around a self-organizing evolutionary algorithm, where individuals represent potential topology configurations, and the reinforcement learning agent guides their evolution towards improved solutions. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of this framework through illustrative examples, showcasing its ability to generate novel and efficient topologies for a range of complex systems.
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