Topology Optimization of Binary Structures Subjeted to Self-weight Loads

Resumo

The study of structures subject to self-weight loads is particularly important for the fields of civil,
aeronautical, and aerospace engineering. Topology optimization emerges as a crucial tool in this analysis providing
structures with non-intuitive conceptual designs and greater material savings. Binary methods are among the most
established methods, where the design variables assume discrete values 0 and 1 for the void and for the solid
material, respectively. In previous studies, it has been reported that topology optimization of structures subject to
self-weight loads using binary methods is almost impossible to be employed without the RAMP material model.
This article shows that binary topology optimization for self-weight loads depends on the formulation and not only
on the material interpolation. To illustrate that, the classic SIMP material model is used together with the recently
developed Topology Optimization of Binary Structures (TOBS) method for topology optimization of structures
subject to self-weight loads. The algorithm was tested and verified to analyze two bidimensional benchmarking
problems. The effect of penalty variation on the final topology was discussed for modified SIMP model. From
the results, it was demonstrated that the modified SIMP model combined with TOBS allows to efficiently optimize
structures subject to self-weight loads.