Seminar Il Yong Kim
Multi-Material and Multi-Joint Topology Optimization and Its Practical Applications
Il Yong Kim
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada
22nd April 2026, 14:00-15:00 CEST, Room B-168 @ Thákurova 7, 166 29 Prague 6
Abstract: Topology optimization is a numerical optimization method that generates efficient and effective optimal designs, considering greater design freedom than other approaches, such as size and shape optimization. Multi-material topology optimization can optimize both material layout and material distribution to improve structural performance. However, these methods generally assume that dissimilar materials are perfectly bonded, which is not realistic or practical.
This seminar will present a multi-material and multi-joint topology optimization methodology that introduces additional design variables for joints in the material interface region.
The seminar will begin with an introduction to topology optimization methods and material interpolation functions for multiple design spaces. It will then explain the material interface region detection method and the associated sensitivity formulation. Finally, practical case studies on multi-material and multi-joint topology optimization will be presented.
Bio: Prof. Il Yong Kim is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. His research interests include topology design optimization and its applications to aerospace and automotive structures. Prof. Kim received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). He worked as an instructor and postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT, where he taught an undergraduate design course.
Dr. Kim has received a number of awards, including the Best Ph.D. Thesis Prize at KAIST, the Early Researcher Award in Canada, the Experienced Humboldt Fellowship in Germany, the Research Excellence Award at Queen’s, and many best paper awards at major conferences. He has published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers in design optimization. Prof. Kim actively collaborates with global multinational companies in the aerospace and automotive industries, including Bombardier Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Safran Landing Systems, De Havilland Canada, General Dynamics, General Motors, Hyundai Motors, and Magna.