<p> A general, consistent, nonlinear theory for open thin-walled elastic beams is presented. The theory takes into account geometric nonlinearities caused by large rotation of the cross section of the beam. The nonlinear differential equations of deformation and response are derived by means of application of Hamilton's principle. It is found that the set of equations reduces to the results obtained by Cullimore and Gregory in the special cases of large uniform torsion of thin-walled members. A solution of a thin-walled beam, subjected to large non-uniform torsional deformation due to application of torques at the ends, is obtained. Comparison is made on the torque - rotation characteristics of a thin-walled beam subjected to large uniform torsion and large non-uniform torsion to show the effect of end constraint from warping.</p> <p> A set of nonlinear equations to study the stability of a thin-walled beam of open cross section, under axial loading (spatial stability) and lateral loading (lateral stability), is presented. Using the derived equations, the dynamic stability of thin-walled beams of symmetrical and monosymmetrical cross sections subjected to axial loads, is investigated. The regions of parametric instability, the steady state amplitudes of oscillations, once parametric instability takes place, and the non-steady state solutions, to show the growth of the parametric oscillations, are carried out.</p> <p> The effect of viscous damping on the steady state amplitude and the growth behaviour of the parametrically excited oscillations is shown. The dynamic stability of a thin-walled beam of symmetrical I section and a monosymmetrical split ring section are worked out in detail as examples.</p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: The focus of this investigation is on the renewed assessment of nonlinear reduced order models (ROM) for the accurate prediction of the geometrically nonlinear response of a curved beam. In light of difficulties encountered in an earlier modeling effort, the various steps involved in the construction of the reduced order model are carefully reassessed. The selection of the basis functions is first addressed by comparison with the results of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis. The normal basis functions suggested earlier, i.e. the transverse linear modes of the corresponding flat beam, are shown in fact to be very close to the POD eigenvectors of the normal displacements and thus retained in the present effort. A strong connection is similarly established between the POD eigenvectors of the tangential displacements and the dual modes which are accordingly selected to complement the normal basis functions. The identification of the parameters of the reduced order model is revisited next and it is observed that the standard approach for their identification does not capture well the occurrence of snap-throughs. On this basis, a revised approach is proposed which is assessed first on the static, symmetric response of the beam to a uniform load. A very good to excellent matching between full finite element and ROM predicted responses validates the new identification procedure and motivates its application to the dynamic response of the beam which exhibits both symmetric and antisymmetric motions. While not quite as accurate as in the static case, the reduced order model predictions match well their full Nastran counterparts and support the reduced order model development strategy. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2011

abstract: The focus of this investigation includes three aspects. First, the development of nonlinear reduced order modeling techniques for the prediction of the response of complex structures exhibiting "large" deformations, i.e. a geometrically nonlinear behavior, and modeled within a commercial finite element code. The present investigation builds on a general methodology, successfully validated in recent years on simpler panel structures, by developing a novel identification strategy of the reduced order model parameters, that enables the consideration of the large number of modes needed for complex structures, and by extending an automatic strategy for the selection of the basis functions used to represent accurately the displacement field. These novel developments are successfully validated on the nonlinear static and dynamic responses of a 9-bay panel structure modeled within Nastran. In addition, a multi-scale approach based on Component Mode Synthesis methods is explored. Second, an assessment of the predictive capabilities of nonlinear reduced order models for the prediction of the large displacement and stress fields of panels that have a geometric discontinuity; a flat panel with a notch was used for this assessment. It is demonstrated that the reduced order models of both virgin and notched panels provide a close match of the displacement field obtained from full finite element analyses of the notched panel for moderately large static and dynamic responses. In regards to stresses, it is found that the notched panel reduced order model leads to a close prediction of the stress distribution obtained on the notched panel as computed by the finite element model. Two enrichment techniques, based on superposition of the notch effects on the virgin panel stress field, are proposed to permit a close prediction of the stress distribution of the notched panel from the reduced order model of the virgin one. A very good prediction of the full finite element results is achieved with both enrichments for static and dynamic responses. Finally, computational challenges associated with the solution of the reduced order model equations are discussed. Two alternatives to reduce the computational time for the solution of these problems are explored. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering 2012

Neste trabalho problemas não lineares geométricos envolvendo pórticos planos e sólidos tridimensionais são analisados através do método dos elementos finitos com formulação posicional. A formulação posicional utiliza como incógnitas as posições dos nós ao invés de deslocamentos. O referencial adotado da formulação é o lagrangiano total. Também se utiliza o algoritmo de Newton-Raphson para solução iterativa do problema não linear. Para problemas envolvendo dinâmica, a matriz de massa é consistente e o integrador temporal é o algoritmo de Newmark. Para o pórtico plano, a cinemática adotada é a de Reissner, onde a seção plana do pórtico não necessariamente permanece perpendicular ao seu eixo central após deformação. Com relação à formulação de sólido tridimensional, é adotada aproximação cúbica de variáveis com elementos finitos tretraédricos de 20 nós. É apresentada também a análise de impacto em anteparo rígido para estruturas tridimensionais utilizando o integrador de Newmark modificado para se garantir a estabilidade do problema. A formulação aqui proposta é validade em comparação com exemplos clássicos da literatura especializada. / Non linear geometric analysis for 2D frames and 3D solids are analyzed in this work by employing the finite element method with positional description. The present formulation does not use the concept of displacement; it considers positions as the real variables of the problem. In addition, the formulation is developed through total lagrangian description. Besides, the Newton-Raphson method is applied for solving the iterative linear system. For dynamic problems, the mass matrix is consistent and it is applied the Newmark algorithm for time integration. For 2D frame analysis, Reissner kinematics is adopted, that is, initial plane cross-sections remain plane after deformation and angles are independent of the slope of central line. In respect to 3D solids, a cubic approximation for the variables is employed through tetraedric finite elements with 20 nodes. Moreover, impact analysis against rigid wall is performed for 3D solids by applying the modified Newmark procedure in order to guarantee a stabilized response. In order to validate the herein proposed formulation, numerical examples are compared to those in the specialized literature.

Nesta tese, apresenta-se o método dos elementos finitos posicional descrito em um referencial Lagrangiano total dedicado à análise de instabilidade de estruturas tridimensionais. Três tipos de elementos finitos são implementados e testados, a saber: os elementos de barra simples, casca e barra geral. A análise de instabilidade para o elemento de barra simples é efetuada determinando-se os pontos críticos ao longo da trajetória de equilíbrio em grandes deslocamentos. Para se determinar essas trajetórias são utilizados os algoritmos de Newton-Raphson e arc-length. Este tipo de análise é particularmente importante na definição de estruturas multi-estáveis de uso crescente na indústria mecânica e aeroespacial. Para o estudo da instabilidade empregando-se os elementos finitos de casca e barra geral realizam-se as análises para pequenos níveis de carga e deslocamentos por meio do cálculo dos autovalores e autovetores da matriz de rigidez da estrutura. Avaliam-se também as trajetórias de equilíbrio em grandes deslocamentos considerando-se pequenas imperfeições na geometria dos elementos estruturais. Quando os elementos de casca são utilizados na modelagem de perfis estruturais esbeltos surgem naturalmente modos de falha locais associados à mudança de forma da seção transversal. Com a finalidade de inserir essas mobilidades no elemento de barra geral propõem-se uma metodologia que considera os aprimoramentos na cinemática da barra. Esses aprimoramentos são tratados como parâmetros nodais generalizados e estão associadas a intensidade da mudança de forma de seção transversal, incluindo os modos de empenamento. Descreve-se originalmente uma metodologia de decomposição da matriz Hessiana usada para o cálculo dos valores e vetores próprios em pequenos deslocamentos. Essa metodologia possui importância adicional pois é utilizada na preparação e avaliação do parâmetro de carga em cinemáticas alternativas da formulação posicional. Utiliza-se o algoritmo de Lanczos na determinação das cargas e modos de falha realizando-se chamadas a biblioteca ARPACK. Os algoritmos são testados em exemplos modelados com os elementos finitos propostos. Próximo aos pontos críticos realiza-se a separação da matriz Hessiana procurando-se possíveis modos de colapso da estrutura. Além dos modos de falha globais é possível se identificar os modos de falha locais e distorcionais. O equilíbrio do sistema mecânico é garantido pelo princípio da estacionariedade da energia potencial total. Nas análises com os elementos de casca e barra geral, a solução do sistema não-linear é obtida empregando-se o método incremental iterativo de Newton-Raphson. Os aprimoramentos sugeridos nesta pesquisa são acoplados ao código computacional utilizado pelo grupo de mecânica computacional do departamento de engenharia de estruturas, onde diversas funcionalidades estão disponíveis, como análise dinâmica e não-linearidade material. Exemplos selecionados são apresentados ao longo da tese para demonstrar a eficiência dos elementos propostos e a aplicabilidade da técnica. Por fim, são realizadas comparações com estratégia de solução já consagradas, como por exemplo: o método das faixas finitas e a teoria generalizadas de vigas. Os resultados obtidos justificam as contribuições originais da presente pesquisa destacando-se a contribuição da formulação posicional ao estudo da instabilidade das estruturas. / This thesis presents the positional finite element method in a total Lagrangian framework dedicated to instability analysis of the three-dimensional structures. Three types of finite elements are implemented and tested, namely: truss, shells and frames. The instability analysis for truss element is computed using equilibrium path in large displacements. The critical points are computed using Newton-Raphson and arc-length algorithm. This analysis is particularly important in the definition of multi-stable and large displacements structures widely used in mechanical and aerospace industry. For shell and frame geometrically non-linear finite elements, the instability phenomenon is studied from the eigenvalues and eigenvectors analysis for small levels of loads and displacements. It is also evaluate the equilibrium trajectories for large displacements, considering small imperfections in the geometry of the structure. When using the shell elements to model the frames structures local failure modes associated with changing of the cross section shape arise. In order to consider the mobility in frame element new improvements are propose in the kinematic. These improvements are treated as generalized nodal parameters and are associated with the intensity of the cross-sectional change, including warping. The originally methodology of decomposition of the Hessian matrix are described and used for calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the stiffness matrix. This methodology has additional importance because it is used in the preparation and evaluation of load parameter in kinematic alternatives of the positional formulation. The Lanczos algorithm is used to determining the loads and failure modes, through calls to ARPACK library for calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The algorithms are tested on the examples modeled by proposed finite elements. Near the critical point takes place the separation of the Hessian matrix for possible identification of the failure modes. In addition to global failure methods, local and distortion failure are captured by this methodology. The balance of the mechanical system is guaranteed by the stationarity of the total potential energy principle. In the analysis using shells and frames elements the solution of the nonlinear system is calculated using the iterative incremental Newton-Raphson method. The improvements suggested in this research are coupled to the computer code used by computational mechanics group of the structures engineering department, where several features are available like dynamic and plasticity analysis. Selected examples are presented throughout the thesis to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed elements and applicability of the technique. Finally, comparisons are carried out with already established solving strategy such as the finite strip methods and the generalized beam theory. The results justified the original contributions of this research to study of unstable structures.

The spans of precast prestressed concrete bridge girders have become longer to provide more economical and safer transportation structures. As the spans have increased, so has the depth of the girders which in turn have increased the slenderness of the girders. Slenderness in a beam or girder would increase the likelihood that a stability failure would occur. Stability failures could pose a danger to construction personnel due to the sudden nature in which a stability failure would occur. Furthermore, stability failures of prestressed concrete girders during construction would cause a detrimental economic impact due to the costs associated with the failure of the girder, the ensuing construction delays, damage to construction equipment and potential closures to highways over which the bridge was being constructed. An experimental and analytical study was performed to determine the stability behavior of prestressed concrete beams. Two stability phenomenons were investigated: (1) lateral-torsional buckling and (2) global stability. An emphasis was placed on the effects of initial imperfections on the stability behavior; the effect elastomeric bearing pads and support rotational stiffness was investigated. The experimental study involved testing six rectangular prestressed concrete beams for lateral-torsional buckling, a PCI BT-54 for thermal deformations and the same PCI BT-54 for global stability. The 32-ft. long rectangular beams were 4-in. wide and 40-in. deep. The PCI BT-54 had a 100-ft. long span. A material and geometric nonlinear, incremental load analysis was performed on the six rectangular beams. The nonlinear analyses matched the experimental load versus lateral displacement and load versus rotation behavior, and the analysis predicted the experimental maximum load within an error of 2%. The nonlinear analysis was extrapolated to several different initial imperfection conditions to parametrically study the effect of initial lateral displacement and initial rotation on the inelastic lateral-torsional buckling load. A simplified expression for lateral-torsional stability of beams with initial imperfections was developed. The data from the parametric study were used to develop reduction parameters for both initial sweep and initial rotation. The rollover stability behavior of the PCI BT-54 was investigated experimentally, and it was found that support end rotations and the elastomeric bearing pads had an adverse effect on the global stability. The nonlinear analysis was employed with the addition of a bearing pad model. It was found that the behavior was sensitive to the bearing pad stiffness properties and the assumption of uniform bearing. From the research, it was apparent that rollover stability was the controlling stability phenomenon for precast prestressed concrete bridge girders, not lateral-torsional buckling.

Neste trabalho problemas não lineares geométricos envolvendo pórticos planos e sólidos tridimensionais são analisados através do método dos elementos finitos com formulação posicional. A formulação posicional utiliza como incógnitas as posições dos nós ao invés de deslocamentos. O referencial adotado da formulação é o lagrangiano total. Também se utiliza o algoritmo de Newton-Raphson para solução iterativa do problema não linear. Para problemas envolvendo dinâmica, a matriz de massa é consistente e o integrador temporal é o algoritmo de Newmark. Para o pórtico plano, a cinemática adotada é a de Reissner, onde a seção plana do pórtico não necessariamente permanece perpendicular ao seu eixo central após deformação. Com relação à formulação de sólido tridimensional, é adotada aproximação cúbica de variáveis com elementos finitos tretraédricos de 20 nós. É apresentada também a análise de impacto em anteparo rígido para estruturas tridimensionais utilizando o integrador de Newmark modificado para se garantir a estabilidade do problema. A formulação aqui proposta é validade em comparação com exemplos clássicos da literatura especializada. / Non linear geometric analysis for 2D frames and 3D solids are analyzed in this work by employing the finite element method with positional description. The present formulation does not use the concept of displacement; it considers positions as the real variables of the problem. In addition, the formulation is developed through total lagrangian description. Besides, the Newton-Raphson method is applied for solving the iterative linear system. For dynamic problems, the mass matrix is consistent and it is applied the Newmark algorithm for time integration. For 2D frame analysis, Reissner kinematics is adopted, that is, initial plane cross-sections remain plane after deformation and angles are independent of the slope of central line. In respect to 3D solids, a cubic approximation for the variables is employed through tetraedric finite elements with 20 nodes. Moreover, impact analysis against rigid wall is performed for 3D solids by applying the modified Newmark procedure in order to guarantee a stabilized response. In order to validate the herein proposed formulation, numerical examples are compared to those in the specialized literature.

Nesta tese, apresenta-se o método dos elementos finitos posicional descrito em um referencial Lagrangiano total dedicado à análise de instabilidade de estruturas tridimensionais. Três tipos de elementos finitos são implementados e testados, a saber: os elementos de barra simples, casca e barra geral. A análise de instabilidade para o elemento de barra simples é efetuada determinando-se os pontos críticos ao longo da trajetória de equilíbrio em grandes deslocamentos. Para se determinar essas trajetórias são utilizados os algoritmos de Newton-Raphson e arc-length. Este tipo de análise é particularmente importante na definição de estruturas multi-estáveis de uso crescente na indústria mecânica e aeroespacial. Para o estudo da instabilidade empregando-se os elementos finitos de casca e barra geral realizam-se as análises para pequenos níveis de carga e deslocamentos por meio do cálculo dos autovalores e autovetores da matriz de rigidez da estrutura. Avaliam-se também as trajetórias de equilíbrio em grandes deslocamentos considerando-se pequenas imperfeições na geometria dos elementos estruturais. Quando os elementos de casca são utilizados na modelagem de perfis estruturais esbeltos surgem naturalmente modos de falha locais associados à mudança de forma da seção transversal. Com a finalidade de inserir essas mobilidades no elemento de barra geral propõem-se uma metodologia que considera os aprimoramentos na cinemática da barra. Esses aprimoramentos são tratados como parâmetros nodais generalizados e estão associadas a intensidade da mudança de forma de seção transversal, incluindo os modos de empenamento. Descreve-se originalmente uma metodologia de decomposição da matriz Hessiana usada para o cálculo dos valores e vetores próprios em pequenos deslocamentos. Essa metodologia possui importância adicional pois é utilizada na preparação e avaliação do parâmetro de carga em cinemáticas alternativas da formulação posicional. Utiliza-se o algoritmo de Lanczos na determinação das cargas e modos de falha realizando-se chamadas a biblioteca ARPACK. Os algoritmos são testados em exemplos modelados com os elementos finitos propostos. Próximo aos pontos críticos realiza-se a separação da matriz Hessiana procurando-se possíveis modos de colapso da estrutura. Além dos modos de falha globais é possível se identificar os modos de falha locais e distorcionais. O equilíbrio do sistema mecânico é garantido pelo princípio da estacionariedade da energia potencial total. Nas análises com os elementos de casca e barra geral, a solução do sistema não-linear é obtida empregando-se o método incremental iterativo de Newton-Raphson. Os aprimoramentos sugeridos nesta pesquisa são acoplados ao código computacional utilizado pelo grupo de mecânica computacional do departamento de engenharia de estruturas, onde diversas funcionalidades estão disponíveis, como análise dinâmica e não-linearidade material. Exemplos selecionados são apresentados ao longo da tese para demonstrar a eficiência dos elementos propostos e a aplicabilidade da técnica. Por fim, são realizadas comparações com estratégia de solução já consagradas, como por exemplo: o método das faixas finitas e a teoria generalizadas de vigas. Os resultados obtidos justificam as contribuições originais da presente pesquisa destacando-se a contribuição da formulação posicional ao estudo da instabilidade das estruturas. / This thesis presents the positional finite element method in a total Lagrangian framework dedicated to instability analysis of the three-dimensional structures. Three types of finite elements are implemented and tested, namely: truss, shells and frames. The instability analysis for truss element is computed using equilibrium path in large displacements. The critical points are computed using Newton-Raphson and arc-length algorithm. This analysis is particularly important in the definition of multi-stable and large displacements structures widely used in mechanical and aerospace industry. For shell and frame geometrically non-linear finite elements, the instability phenomenon is studied from the eigenvalues and eigenvectors analysis for small levels of loads and displacements. It is also evaluate the equilibrium trajectories for large displacements, considering small imperfections in the geometry of the structure. When using the shell elements to model the frames structures local failure modes associated with changing of the cross section shape arise. In order to consider the mobility in frame element new improvements are propose in the kinematic. These improvements are treated as generalized nodal parameters and are associated with the intensity of the cross-sectional change, including warping. The originally methodology of decomposition of the Hessian matrix are described and used for calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the stiffness matrix. This methodology has additional importance because it is used in the preparation and evaluation of load parameter in kinematic alternatives of the positional formulation. The Lanczos algorithm is used to determining the loads and failure modes, through calls to ARPACK library for calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The algorithms are tested on the examples modeled by proposed finite elements. Near the critical point takes place the separation of the Hessian matrix for possible identification of the failure modes. In addition to global failure methods, local and distortion failure are captured by this methodology. The balance of the mechanical system is guaranteed by the stationarity of the total potential energy principle. In the analysis using shells and frames elements the solution of the nonlinear system is calculated using the iterative incremental Newton-Raphson method. The improvements suggested in this research are coupled to the computer code used by computational mechanics group of the structures engineering department, where several features are available like dynamic and plasticity analysis. Selected examples are presented throughout the thesis to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed elements and applicability of the technique. Finally, comparisons are carried out with already established solving strategy such as the finite strip methods and the generalized beam theory. The results justified the original contributions of this research to study of unstable structures.

The dissertation “Formation of wrinkles on a coated substate“ treats the finite element simulations of controlled wrinkle formation experiments conducted at the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research. The systems used for the experiments consist of a soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer with a thin, stiff layer on top. The wrinkling process is triggered by a stress mismatch between the bulk and the thin layer. To create the stress mismatch, the bulk material is first uni-axially stretched and then the thin layer is created by a low-pressure plasma treatment of the stretched bulk in a vacuum chamber. Under subsequent relaxation, wrinkles form. Their wavelength depends on the choice of the process gas and the duration of the treatment. The use of thin silicon masks placed directly on the PDMS allows to sharply restrict the plasma-exposed area. Sequential exposures of the same sample to multiple treatment processes with and without a mask allow to locally modify the layer thickness and stiffness. With this, we can locally control the wavelength of the resulting wrinkles and trigger the formation of branches and line defects at the boundary between areas of different wavelengths. The dissertation first covers the mathematical model for the coated substrate, a combination of a hyperelastic material model from three-dimensional elasticity for the bulk (an almost incompressible Mooney–Rivlin material model) and a Cosserat shell model for the film on top. A nonlinear and nonconvex minimization problem is deduced and transferred to a suitable finite element space. Existence of minimizers is proven in the continuous and the discrete case before the discrete problem is solved numerically. The numerical simulations show a good agreement with corresponding physical experiments.

Este trabalho propõe estudar o projeto de estruturas submetidas a grandes deslocamentos utilizando o Método de Otimização Topológica (MOT). O MOT é um método numérico capaz de fornecer de forma sistemática a distribuição ótima de material no domínio de uma estrutura de forma a atender a um dado requisito de projeto, por exemplo, o valor de flexibilidade máxima permitida em uma estrutura. Desde sua introdução, há quase três décadas, o MOT ganhou popularidade na área acadêmica e na indústria. Até o presente momento (2011), a maioria dos trabalhos relacionados com o método tem se preocupado com a otimização de estruturas com o comportamento linear, ou seja, pequenos deslocamentos. Um pequeno número de artigos e trabalhos tem sido relacionado com a modelagem e otimização topológica de estruturas submetidas a efeitos não-lineares. Este trabalho propõe compilar as formulações descritas na literatura e agregar novas técnicas na implementação da OT de forma a melhorar a robustez na obtenção de resultados sob não-linearidade geométrica. O MOT para o comportamento não-linear geométrico neste trabalho foi implementado utilizando o modelo de material SIMP. O comportamento não-linear geométrico é representado utilizando a formulação Lagrangiana para as leis de material de Kirchhoff-Saint Venant e neo-Hookiana. Ambas as leis de material foram implementadas utilizando o método de elementos finitos (MEF) e o equilíbrio estático da estrutura é obtido através de uma rotina incremental e iterativa de Newton incluindo todos os elementos (inclusive os de baixa densidade) dentro do domínio de projeto. A sensibilidade da função objetivo é deduzida utilizando o método adjunto e o problema de otimização é resolvido utilizando o Método das Assíntotas Móveis (MAM) em conjunto com uma função de Relaxação proposta para estabilizar a solução de OT não-linear. A função de projeção não-linear em conjunto com o Método da Continuação é utilizada para eliminar o problema de tabuleiro e independência de malha, melhorando a convergência dos resultados. A função objetivo para minimização da flexibilidade no ponto de aplicação do carregamento é testada, considerando um carregamento fixo. Neste trabalho, os exemplos mostram que as diferenças na rigidez das estruturas otimizadas utilizando modelagem linear e não-linear são geralmente pequenas para pequenos carregamentos, mas elas podem ser grandes em certos casos envolvendo grandes cargas, acarretando em instabilidades na estrutura, o que pode degenerar a solução obtida. / This work proposes studying the design of structures undergoing large displacement using Topology Optimization Method (TOM). The TOM is a numerical method capable of synthesizing the basic layout of a mechanical structure accomplishing to a given design requirement, for example the maximum strain energy allowed in the structure. Since its introduction nearly three decades, TOM has gained widespread popularity in academia and industry. So far, most papers dealing with the method have been concerned with the optimization of structures with linear geometric and material behavior. Even now a small number of works and articles have been concerned with the modeling and topology optimization of structures undergoing nonlinear effects. This work proposes to compile the formulations described in the literature and adding new techniques to improve the robustness for obtaining results of OT under geometric nonlinearity. The TOM for geometric nonlinear behavior in this work is implemented with Solid Isotropic Microstructure with Penalization (SIMP) material model. The geometrically nonlinear behavior of the structures is modeled using a Lagrangean description for hyperelastic constitutive models for Saint Venant-Kirchhoff and neo-Hookean. Both constitutive models are implemented using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the static equilibrium of the structure is obtained using an incremental and iterative Full-Newton Method considering all elements and internal force of the design domain (elements called \"voids\"). The sensitivity of the objective function is derived using the adjoint method and the optimization problem is solved using the Optimality Criteria (OC) method and Method of Moving Asymptotes (MMA) together with a Relaxation Function proposed to stabilize the TO nonlinear solution. The nonlinear projection function in conjunction with the Continuation Method is used to obtain checkerboard-free and mesh-independent designs and to improve the convergence results. The objective function of end-compliance is tested, by minimizing it for a fixed load. In this work, some examples show that differences in stiffness of optimized structures using linear and nonlinear modeling are generally small, however they can be large in certain cases involving buckling or bifurcation point, that degenerate the solution obtained.