Topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures using an evolutionary optimization method

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 fo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Engineering optimization 2018-11, Vol.50 (11), p.1850-1870
Main Authors: Abdi, Meisam, Ashcroft, Ian, Wildman, Ricky
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Criteria
Deformation
evolutionary
Finite element analysis
Finite element method
geometrically nonlinear
mesh refinement
Modelling
Nonlinear programming
Post-processing
Smooth boundaries
Topology optimization
XFEM
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0305-215X
1029-0273
DOI:10.1080/0305215X.2017.1418864