The implementation of topological optimization in the APM environment is based on the combination of optimization methods and the finite element method. The main stages of solving the optimization problem will be listed below.

The user needs to create a design prototype. For it, it is necessary to take into account all possible operational loads that can be represented in the form of load cases.

Next, the design space is set, each element of which is assigned a design variable, its value equal to 0 corresponds to the absence of material, and 1 – to the complete filling of the material in this finite element, this allows you to form an optimization problem, as well as take into account technological limitations.

The last step is the choice of the problem statement or its independent formation and calculation start.

After the calculations, post-processing, verification calculation and interpretation of the optimization results are performed.