Explainable quantum neural networks for multi-material topology optimization

Abstract

We propose an explainable quantum neural network for multi-material topology optimization, XQNN, that determines both load-carrying structural layout and material type assignment for given boundary/loading conditions. Intermediate solution histories are first converted into element-wise strain energy, sensitivity, density, and Sobel boundary descriptors. Then, they are encoded in a ten-qubit circuit and qubit-wise $Z$ observables are mapped onto material type labels. Trained only on two-dimensional topology optimization histories obtained with a fixed mesh resolution, XQNN can be generalized to handle out-of-distribution boundary/loading conditions, progressively refined high-resolution meshes, and voxel-wise three-dimensional problems without additional training. We find that it is important to preserve qubit-wise observables and add boundary information for improving the optimization accuracy, and certain observables have consistent links to load paths, material type regions, and interfaces, demonstrating their usability as auditable mechanics-facing variables.