Topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures using an evolutionary optimization method. Issue 11 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdi, Meisam; Ashcroft, Ian; Wildman, Ricky
• Is Part Of: Engineering optimization. Volume 50:Issue 11(2018)
• Page Start: 1850
• Page End: 1870
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: Topology optimization -- XFEM -- geometrically nonlinear -- evolutionary -- mesh refinement; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Mathematical optimization -- Periodicals; 620.0042
• DOI: 10.1080/0305215X.2017.1418864
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-215X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The topology optimization using isolines/isosurfaces and extended finite element method (Iso-XFEM) is an evolutionary optimization method developed in previous studies to enable the generation of high-resolution topology optimized designs suitable for additive manufacture. Conventional approaches for topology optimization require additional post-processing after optimization to generate a manufacturable topology with clearly defined smooth boundaries. Iso-XFEM aims to eliminate this time-consuming post-processing stage by defining the boundaries using isovalues of a structural performance criterion and an extended finite element method (XFEM) scheme. In this article, the Iso-XFEM method is further developed to enable the topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures undergoing large deformations. This is achieved by implementing a total Lagrangian finite element formulation and defining a structural performance criterion appropriate for the objective function of the optimization problem. The Iso-XFEM solutions for geometrically nonlinear test cases implementing linear and nonlinear modelling are compared, and the suitability of nonlinear modelling for the topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures is investigated.