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SC17-009: Shape and Topology Optimization with Plato and the Engineering Sketch Pad: Hands on Introduction with Applications

Joshua Robbins, Sandia National Laboratories
Marshall Galbraith, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
John Dannenhoffer III, Syracuse University
Brett Clark, Sandia National Laboratories
 
This course will provide a hands-on introduction to the open-source Plato and Engineering Sketch Pad (ESP) software packages for optimization-based engineering design. Students will be introduced to the mathematics of gradient-based shape and topology optimization as well as the key features and design of Plato and ESP. Students will access course content and pre-installed software on the Google Compute Platform (GCP) and will work end-to-end engineering design problems on GPU hardware made available on the GCP. This course will provide a foundational knowledge of design optimization and the Plato and ESP software that researchers and practitioners can build upon for algorithm development and/or real-world engineering applications.
 

Schedule:

8:30-9:00     Logistics: Get logged into Google Compute resources and browse course content.

9:00-9:30     Introduction to shape and topology optimization

9:30-12:00  Introduction to the Engineering Sketch Pad

Goal: Students will learn the basic functionality of ESP.

Outcomes:  Students are able to create parameterized geometry from scratch and export an attributed mesh for subsequent topology optimization, shape optimization, and/or concurrent shape/topo.

Note:  This session includes a 15-minute break.

12:00-1:00 (Optional) Working lunch:  Instructors will be available to students for questions and one-on-one help.

1:00-4:00     Introduction to Plato

Goal: Students will learn the basic functionality of Plato via the terminal.

Outcome: Students are able to set up and run optimization problems using meshes from the morning session.

Note:  This session includes a 15-minute break.

4:00-4:30     (Optional) working session:  Instructors will be available to students for questions and one-on-one help.

Important:  Students wishing to participate in the hands-on tutorials (strongly recommended) will need to bring a laptop computer with the following software installed:

  1. ssh client – Windows 10 and later, Linux, and Mac have native clients.
  2. Paraview – Download and install the latest version from paraview.org.
  3. ESP – Download and install the latest version from acdl.mit.edu/ESP/PreBuilts.