> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Overview

> Learn how to set up and run topology optimization in nTop.

This course will teach you the basics of running a topology optimization within nTop. After completing this course, you will have further developed your understanding of the FE mesh, FE model, and boundary conditions and how to use them in topology optimization. You will have also explored how to understand and post-process your optimization results.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/files-learn/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/topo-opt-manifold-overview.png" alt="Optimized block with organic internal channel and three ports" />
</Frame>

**Prerequisites:** [101: nTop Essentials](/lessons/ntop-essentials/overview), [102: Guide to Meshing](/lessons/intro-to-meshing/before-we-begin-meshing), [240: Intro to Simulation](/lessons/intro-to-structural-analysis/overview)

**What will be covered:**

* Setting up an FE Mesh, Model, and Boundary Conditions for a Topology Optimization
* Running a Topology Optimization
* Post-processing an optimized part in nTop

### Introduction

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Before We Begin" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/before-we-begin-topology-optimization" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Topology Optimization Properties and Terminology" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/topology-optimization-properties-and-terminology" cta="Open" />
</CardGroup>

### Preparing for Topology Optimization

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Review: FE/Simulation Model and Boundary Conditions" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/review-fe-simulation-model-and-boundary-conditions" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Optional Follow Along: FE Model and Boundary Conditions" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/optional-follow-along-fe-model-and-boundary-conditions" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Optimization Objectives" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/optimization-objectives" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Defining Constraints" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/defining-constraints" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Follow Along: Objectives and Constraints" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/follow-along-objectives-and-constraints" cta="Open" />
</CardGroup>

### Running Topology Optimization

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Running Topology Optimization" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/running-topology-optimization" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Follow Along: Topology Optimization" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/follow-along-topology-optimization" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Knowledge Check: Topology Optimization" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/knowledge-check-topology-optimization" cta="Open" />
</CardGroup>

### Post Processing

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Post Processing" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/post-processing" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Follow Along: Post Processing" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/follow-along-post-processing" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Download: Post Processing" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/download-post-processing" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Knowledge Check: Post Processing" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/knowledge-check-post-processing" cta="Open" />
</CardGroup>

### Optional Topology Optimization Test Problem

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Optional: TopOpt Problem Statement" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/optional-topopt-problem-statement" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Answer to TopOpt Test Problem" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/answer-to-topopt-test-problem" cta="Open" />
</CardGroup>

### What's Next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Topology Optimization Tips and Best Practices" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/topology-optimization-tips-and-best-practices" cta="Open" />

  <Card title="Resources" href="/lessons/intro-to-topology-optimization/resources" cta="Open" />
</CardGroup>