Design of thermoelastic multi-material structures with graded interfaces using topology optimization

A level-set based shape and topology optimization framework is used to investigate the influence of graded interfaces in the optimization of micro-architectured multi-materials. In contrast to other studies found in the literature, interfaces are considered as smooth and graded transitions between constitutive phases instead of sharp delimitations. Case studies for extreme thermoelastic properties of 2D isotropic composites are analyzed and optimal designs are presented. It is shown that explicitly accounting for interfaces can influence the design of heterogeneous materials in composite microstructures.