Volume Adjustable Topology Optimization with Multiple Displacement Constraints. (18th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, C. W.; Chou, K. W.
• Is Part Of: Journal of mechanics. Volume 34:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 759
• Page End: 770
• Publication Date: 2017-08-18
• Subjects: Performance-based topology optimization -- Functional constraints -- Without volume constraints -- Evolutionary switching method; Mechanics, Analytic -- Periodicals; Mechanics -- Periodicals; 620.1005
• DOI: 10.1017/jmech.2017.68
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1727-7191

Abstract

Abstract : Most topology optimization methods seek optimal topologies that satisfy a minimum compliance with a pre-specified volume constraint in the design domain. However, practical designs often include various functional constraints and the optimal solid volume ratios are unknown a priori, which implies a gap between topology optimization methods and practical designs in industries. This paper studies the performance-based topology optimization (PTO) problem that searches for the optimal topology with minimum compliance to satisfy the pre-specified functional constraints without a pre-specified volume constraint. A novel element-based evolutionary switching method (ESM), which can automatically adjust solid volume ratio and material distribution, is developed and implemented using the commercial finite element software ABAQUS. The effects of displacement constraints on the optimal topologies are investigated, and the differences between PTO problems and the topology optimization problem which has a volume constraint are discussed. Numerical examples demonstrate that the optimal topologies are mainly determined by the load pattern and locally changed with respect to the location of the active displacement constraints. In addition, the displacement constraints to a large extent control the solid volume ratio of optimal topologies according to the allowable displacements in PTO problems. Finally, the proposed ESM could provide conservative solutions to the topology optimization with multiple displacement constraints problems.