Welcome to the home page of the Structural Optimization Research Group of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). The research team is based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering in Bilbao. The team is currently formed by 5 Ph.D. researchers, 1 junior researcher and several under graduate students, working in shape optimization of shell and solid structures, additive manufacturing oriented topology optimization, optimum design of infill and multi-scale structures, and topology optimization of heat transfer systems, as well as industrial applications of topology optimization. Some of the researchers also combine their research work with teaching both undergraduate and master’s degrees.

In this website you will find information about our main lines of investigation, results of some research projects, personal data of team members and a complete list of publications. Many of them are available for download; please click the publications tab.

The research team has carried out several projects during the last years, and has been working on different lines related to topology optimization. The investigations are mainly focused on:

• Shape and Topology optimization. Use of shape and topology optimization methods and numerical programing methods for the optimum design of structures.

• Topology optimization for Additive Manufacturing. Integration of optimization techniques with Additive manufacturing capacities. The research team analyses the limitations of AM processes and integrates them within the optimum design algorithms. This includes the development of overhang constraint and dripping effect prevention techniques.

• Optimum design of porous structures. Infill and multi-scale structures. Bone-like structures.

• Optimum design of thermal conductors. Design of needle-like steady state heat transfer systems.

• Topology optimization of shell structures.