MRI scanners are invaluable tools for medicine and research, whose operation is based on exploiting the properties of atomic nuclei immersed in a very intense static magnetic field. In almost all MRI scanners, this field is generated by a superconducting electromagnet.

The design of electromagnets for MRI must meet very demanding requirements in terms of the homogeneity of the field produced. In addition, as the magnetic field becomes more intense, the forces exerted on the electromagnet increase, raising the issue of the mechanical strength of the windings. Finally, the “manufacturability” of the electromagnet imposes constraints on the shapes of acceptable solutions. The design of superconducting electromagnets for MRI therefore requires a meticulous effort to optimize the design, subject to constraints based on magneto-mechanical multiphysics modeling.

A new innovative multiphysics topological optimization methodology has been developed, based on a density method (SIMP) and a finite element code. This has made it possible to produce magnet designs that meet the constraints on the homogeneity of the magnetic field produced and on the mechanical strength of the windings. However, the solutions obtained are not feasible in practice, both in terms of the manufacturability of the coils (cable windings) and their integration with a supporting structure (coils held in place by a steel structure).

The objective of this thesis is to enhance the topological optimization method by formalizing and implementing manufacturing constraints related to the winding method, residual stresses resulting from pre-tensioning the cables during winding, and the presence of a structural material capable of absorbing the forces transmitted by the coils.