The Influence of Uncertain Loading on Topology-Optimized Designs

• Main Authors: Hofer, P. (Author), Wehrle, E. (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2022
• Subjects: Applied forces; Cableways; Direct differentiation; Displacement force; Large-scales; Open source software; Open systems; Open-source; Optimized designs; Reducing costs; Shape optimization; Structural optimization; Structural performance; Three dimensional topologies; Topology; Topology optimisation
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 The design of structures using topology optimization can improve the structural performance and save material, in turn reducing costs. Using a framework of large-scale, three-dimensional topology optimization implemented by the authors in an open-source multiphysical software, we investigate the influence of uncertain loading on the optimized design. Direct differentiation is used to reveal the relationship between displacements and applied force, giving an efficient and effective tool to postprocess optimized topologies. The developed methodology for the assessment of the sensitivity with respect to applied forces is explored using two three-dimensional examples: the classic MBB cantilever and a cableway pylon. The advantages and limitations of this method are discussed. © 2022 Philipp Hofer and Erich Wehrle.