An explicit parameterization for casting constraints in gradient driven topology optimization

From a practical point of view it is often desirable to limit the complexity of a topology optimization design such that casting/milling type manufacturing techniques can be applied. In the context of gradient driven topology optimization this work studies how castable designs can be obtained by use of a Heaviside design parameterization in a specified casting direction.

This reduces the number of design variables considerably and the approach is simple to implement.