Topology optimization of thermal structure for isotropic and anisotropic materials using the element-free Galerkin method

A numerical model of topology optimization for isotropic and anisotropic thermal structures was established by combining the element-free Galerkin (EFG) method and the rational approximation of material properties model. The relative density of EFG nodes was defined as the design variable, and the moving least-squares shape function was used to construct the relative density of calculation points. The EFG topology optimization model of anisotropic thermal structure was verified by benchmark examples based on the finite element method (FEM). The effects of the orthotropic factor and off-angle on EFG topology optimization results were studied. The results show that EFG optimal structures have better heat dissipation performance, and the boundary profiles are clearer than with FEM even without filtering techniques, enabling manufacture using 3D printing technology. The proper topology thermal structure can be obtained by adjusting the orthotropic factor and off-angle, thus improving the heat dissipation performance of the thermal structure.