About the Design Area | |||||
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In topology optimization, the design area denotes the set of elements that may be removed during the optimization, in contrast to the frozen areas that remain unchanged.
The model for the topology optimization is modified in such a way that the inner areas of the component are filled with elements to create a design area where the optimization system can remove or rearrange elements for getting a better mechanical behavior of a component with a lower weight with the same mechanical behavior.
Example
The following start model for topology optimization represents a design of a control arm for a car. The component has to be manufactured by forging and consists of aluminum. The red areas of the component are not free for the optimization because they are used for the fixtures and for the load application. One red area is used for the mounting of a sensor for the headlight range adjustment.
 Green: Design Area Red: Frozen Area |