PyHexTop: a compact Python code for topology optimization using hexagonal elements

Python serves as an open-source and cost-effective alternative to the MATLAB programming language. This paper introduces a concise topology optimization Python code, named ``PyHexTop," primarily intended for educational purposes. Code employs hexagonal elements to parameterize design domains as such elements provide checkerboard-free optimized design naturally. PyHexTop is developed based on the ``HoneyTop90" MATLAB code~\cite{kumar2023honeytop90} and uses the NumPy and SciPy libraries. Code is straightforward and easily comprehensible, proving a helpful tool that can help people new in the topology optimization field to learn and explore. PyHexTop is specifically tailored to address compliance minimization with specified volume constraints. The paper provides a detailed explanation of the code for solving the MBB design and extensions to solve problems with varying boundary and force conditions. The code is publicly shared at: \url{https://github.com/PrabhatIn/PyHexTop.}