Reliability-Based topology optimization incorporating level set boundary expressions

Abstract

This research proposes reliability-based topology optimization (RBTO) method using an approximate single-loop reliability-based design method with the topology optimization incorporating level set boundary expressions based on the concept of the phase field method. The design problem is formulated to minimize the structural volume subject to the reliability constraint concerning mean compliance under variations on Young's modulus and applied loads. The reliability-based optimization is formulated as a single loop algorithm by using Single Loop Single Variable (SLSV) method to reduce computational time. The structural model is described by using level set boundary expressions based on the concept of the phase field method for topology optimization. Through numerical examples, difference between the optimum configurations on deterministic method and reliability-based method is demonstrated and the effectiveness of this method is discussed.