Three-Dimensional Topology Optimization of a Flexible Multibody System via Moving Morphable Components

Abstract

In this work, a novel three-dimensional (3D) topology optimization methodology for a flexible MBS undergoing both large overall motion and large deformation is proposed. Firstly, the flexible MBS of concern is accurately modeled via the 3D solid brick element of the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), which utilizes positions of nodes and slopes as sets of generalized nodal coordinates. Secondly, to deal with the dynamic characteristics in the optimization process, the equivalent static load method is employed to transform the dynamic topology optimization problem into a static one. Last but not least, in order to reduce the computation time, the newly-developed moving morphable components (MMC) based topology optimization method is reevaluated to optimize the 3D flexible MBS. The MMC based framework incorporates more geometrical and mechanical information into the topology optimization directly and can optimize large-scale flexible MBS with high efficiency. Two numerical examples are presented to validate the accuracy of the solid element of ANCF and the effectiveness of the proposed optimization methodology, respectively.