Topology optimization for crashworthiness of thin-walled structures under axial crash considering nonlinear plastic buckling and locations of plastic hinges. Issue 5 (4th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davoudi, Mohammadmahdi; Kim, Cheol
• Is Part Of: Engineering optimization. Volume 51:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 775
• Page End: 795
• Publication Date: 2019-05-04
• Subjects: Topology optimization -- crashworthiness -- equivalent static loads -- crash box -- plastic hinge line; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Mathematical optimization -- Periodicals; 620.0042
• DOI: 10.1080/0305215X.2018.1495717
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-215X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Although topology optimization is established for linear static problems, more effort is required for solving nonlinear plastic problems. A new topology optimization approach with equivalent static loads (ESLs) is suggested to find the optimum topologies and locations of plastic hinges of thin-walled crash boxes by considering crash-induced deformation, the main crash energy-absorbing mechanism. Together with finite element method crashworthiness analyses, considering all nonlinearities with rate-dependent plasticity, the method was developed using an appropriate time-incremental scheme of ESLs without removing any high values of loads. Analyses show that the crash boxes with optimum topologies have energy-absorbing capabilities equivalent to the original structure. The proposed method is evaluated for two crashes: a crash box at low speed and a double cell subjected to high-speed collision. The results indicate that this method captures nonlinear crushing behaviours and accurate locations of plastic hinges where, if proper reinforcements are made, energy absorption can be enhanced.