An optimization method for structural topology optimization problems with stress constraint and any initial configuration requirements

Abstract

Stress related problems have not been given the same attention as the minimum compliance problem in the literature. A topological optimization method of continuum structures with the stress constraints and any initial configuration requirements has been presented in this paper. In order to greatly reduce stress sensitivity cost, all element stress constraints of the structure being optimized under a load case are replaced by the most potential active stress constraints of several design sub-domains and a generalized average stress constraint. And the whole optimization process is divided into two optimization adjustment phases and a phase transferring step operation. Firstly, an optimization model dealing with varying stress limits and design space adjustments, is built. Secondly, a procedure is proposed to solve the optimization problem of the first optimization adjustment phase. This design space adjustment capability will not affect the property of the proposed method convergence. Then, a heuristic algorithm, that is based on structural gradient information, is given to make the design structural topology be of solid/empty property during the second optimization adjustment phase. The two examples show that different initial design structure can be selected, and this method is robust and practicable.