Variable Structural Stiffness of Piecewise Linearity by Structural Optimization Approach

摘要

This article describes a structural design approach towards the variable stiffness of piecewise linearity by using the conventional linear elastic materials. The design concept is an extension of multiple leaflet spring system that realizes the increase of spring constant due to the elevation of load level applied. Certain internal gaps are introduced in the continuum structure, and are expected to work as a switch changing the structural topology depending on the load or stress level applied. The internal topology of the unit cell of continuum material of linear elasticity is determined by means of the simple isotropic material with penalization method, and the detailed geometry of the unit cell is then determined by the traction method. This is an alternative approach towards a passive adaptive structure with conventional structural materials.