Abstract: For the problem of optimal fixture layout design in discrete point set domain, this paper proposed a topology optimization method. A penalized spring contact model was presented. The spring densities of the candidate contact points were introduced as a set of design variables. The objective is to minimize the deformation of the workpiecefixture system. The implementation of the algorithm and numerical examples were also presented. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed method for both 2-D and 3-D cases.

Key words:  fixture, discrete point set, finite element, optimal layout design