Title: Topology Optimization
Presented By: Adrian Butscher, Autodesk Research

Abstract:
Although the words "Topology" and "Optimization" make perfect sense to a mathematician, the compound term "Topology Optimization" might raise eyebrows. Nevertheless, Topology Optimization is a well-defined concept in the field of computational design in engineering. In computational design, the engineer relies on algorithms to automatically generate solutions to engineering design problems. In the case of Topology Optimization, this means to generate a shape (a.k.a. domain with piecewise-smooth boundary) that fulfills an engineering task (e.g. transmits torque) with optimal performance (e.g. is stiff and lightweight). I will explain this concept in more detail, from the mathematical formulation and the numerical implementation to the application in real-world engineering design scenarios.

Biography:
I am a pure mathematician by training and have worked in academia as well as in industrial research. Currently I'm at Autodesk Research, which is the fundamental applied research division inside Autodesk -- a software company that makes computational tools for engineers, architects and designers. I specialize in geometry representations, physical simulation and engineering design optimization.