Multiphysics Topology Optimization of Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Systems

This paper is focused on topology optimization of heat transfer and fluid flow systems for multiphysics objectives. Specifically, COMSOL Multiphysics software is coupled with a method of moving asymptotes optimizer in a custom COMSOL / MATLAB script. Various physical process including conduction, convectiondiffusion, and Navier-Stokes flow are considered. To illustrate the method, a standard pure heat conduction problem is first presented in two dimensions followed by an extension of the problem to three dimensions. More complex physics are then examined in the optimization process for a three-terminal heat transfer and fluid flow device. General applications and limitations of the methodology are discussed.