ARL Topologies vs SmartDO

ARL Topologies is free, open-source software for topology optimization, published by USArmyResearchLab as a United States government project. It is intended for research and general use, and runs self-hosted from the command line with an XML input file. The program separates design representation, optimization method, and objective function. Representations include two- and three-dimensional element-based density discretization with SIMP interpolation, plus nodal-based density discretization with Heaviside projection and filtering. Inputs can be ASCII ExodusII or GMSH meshes, or rectangular pixel and voxel regions. Available optimizers include optimality criterion, method of moving asymptotes, BFGS through NLopt, and a genetic algorithm. Its implemented objective performs static structural finite element analysis. Density results can be post-processed to STL, while VTK, GMSH, and Matlab are output formats. A shared-library objective function allows extension to other problems. Building requires a C++11 compiler and listed libraries.

SmartDO is a multidisciplinary, multiphysics platform for automatic engineering design optimization. Its Direct Global Search can begin an optimization after setup with one button, without a design of experiments or manual sensitivity study. The maker describes S.A.F.E.D. and SmartLearning as features that can bypass failed CAD or CAE runs and use earlier calculations to reduce computational cost. APO supports synchronous multi-objective optimization without user weighting. SmartDO uses Tcl/Tk and Python, allowing add-ons, GUIs, graphics, and plotting tools. SmartLink connects the platform with CAE packages, while OpenXim links commercial or open-source CAD with simulation software. Named examples include ANSYS Workbench, FreeCAD, SOLIDWORKS, NX, PrePoMax, and CalculiX. The software page reports successful use with more than 240 design variables and 132 constraints. FEA-Opt Technology develops SmartDO and offers consulting and integration services. Pricing is available on request.