Topology Optimization of 2D Continuum Using Nodal Design Variables

摘要

This paper presents a study on a topology optimization model for 2D continuum structure using nodal design variables. The minimum compliance problem with a constraint on the total material volume is considered.A 4-node hybrid stress element is used for the finite element analysis of heterogeneous 2D continuum. The use of such an element is important in that effects of non-uniform material distribution within an element can be appropriately modeled. The numerical results obtained show that the presented model suffers from none of the known abnormalities in the topology optimization, such as “checkerboard” and “islanding”, and therefore, no special numerical techniques like filtering are needed.Optimization results are presented for some test problems, illustrating the superiority of the method proposed in the paper.An attempt has also been made to address the issue of mesh dependency.