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Stress-constrained Structural Topology Optimization with Design-dependent Loads

Topology optimization is commonly used to distribute a given amount of material to obtain the stiffest structure, with predefined fixed loads. The present work investigates the result of applying stress constraints to topology optimization, for problems with design-depending loading, such as self-weight and pressure. In order to apply pressure loading, a material boundary identification scheme is proposed, iteratively connecting points of equal density. In previous research, design-dependent loading problems have been limited to compliance minimization. The present study employs a more practical approach by minimizing mass subject to failure constraints, and uses a stress relaxation technique to avoid stress constraint singularities. The results show that these design dependent loading problems may converge to a local minimum when stress constraints are enforced. Comparisons between compliance minimization solutions and stress-constrained solutions are also given. The resulting topologies of these two solutions are usually vastly different, demonstrating the need for stress-constrained topology optimization.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/32254
Date21 March 2012
CreatorsLee, Edmund
ContributorsMartins, Joaquim R. R. A.
Source SetsUniversity of Toronto
Languageen_ca
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis

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