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An improved multi-objective topology optimization model based on SIMP method for continuum structures including self-weight

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Abstract

This work proposes an improved topology optimization model for optimizing continuum structures with self-weight loading conditions. A modified Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) model is proposed to avoid the parasitic effect. At the same time, the penalty factor of the SIMP model is increased to maintain the activeness of the prescribed volume constraint and to drive the design domain to binary distribution. The optimization objectives include minimizing the total strain energy of the design domain and minimizing the total displacement of the fixed domain. The shape optimization procedure is used to furtherly enhance structural performance. The whole optimization procedure is implemented with a two-dimensional model under the loading conditions of self-weight and external force. The classic MBB beam and self-weight arch are utilized to verify the proposed method, and conceptual layout designs of the steel structure bridge are conducted. It is proved that the proposed model is effective for topology optimization of continuum structures including self-weight. And it is found that the optimal structural topology is affected by the ratio of the external force to self-weight.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China

    Shanshan Zhang & Houmin Li

  2. School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China

    Yicang Huang

Authors
  1. Shanshan Zhang
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  2. Houmin Li
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  3. Yicang Huang
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Correspondence to Houmin Li or Yicang Huang.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Replication of results

The topology optimization model described in Section 2 is implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics 5.5 with Structure Mechanics Module, Optimization Module, and PDE Modules. The details, such as material properties, loads, boundary conditions, constraints, and objectives, for the validation case and bridge design cases have been defined in Section 3. The numerical model of this paper can be obtained from the corresponding author with a reasonable request.

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Zhang, S., Li, H. & Huang, Y. An improved multi-objective topology optimization model based on SIMP method for continuum structures including self-weight. Struct Multidisc Optim 63, 211–230 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-020-02685-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-020-02685-2

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