Structural topology optimization is the core research topic in the PLATO-N project. This research topic is an area within the field of optimal structural design. In structural topology optimization the optimal number and shape of the holes in a structure are determined. In certain situations also the material properties, such as the fiber orientations in a composite structure, can be found. Topology optimization can achieve significant weight savings in aircraft structural design through modifications of the arrangement of the material (the topology of the structure) during the conceptual design phase.
A broad description of the area of topology optimization is given in the text Topology optimization: from airplanes to nano-optics. This text, written by Professor Martin P. Bendsøe and Professor O. Sigmund, is a chapter from the DTU 175 years anniversary book BRIDGING from technology to society (K. Stubkjær and T. Kortenbach, Eds.), Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark, 2004.
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