Level‐set topology optimization with many linear buckling constraints using an efficient and robust eigensolver

Linear buckling constraints are important in structural topology optimization for obtaining designs that can support the required loads without failure. During the optimization process, the critical buckling eigenmode can change; this poses a challenge to gradient‐based optimization and can require the computation of a large number of linear buckling eigenmodes. This is potentially both computationally difficult to achieve and prohibitively expensive. In this paper, we motivate the need for a large number of linear buckling modes and show how several features of the block Jacobi conjugate gradient (BJCG) eigenvalue method, including optimal shift estimates, the reuse of eigenvectors, adaptive eigenvector tolerances and multiple shifts, can be used to efficiently and robustly compute a large number of buckling eigenmodes. This paper also introduces linear buckling constraints for level‐set topology optimization. In our approach, the velocity function is defined as a weighted sum of the shape sensitivities for the objective and constraint functions. The weights are found by solving an optimization sub‐problem to reduce the mass while maintaining feasibility of the buckling constraints. The effectiveness of this approach in combination with the BJCG method is demonstrated using a 3D optimization problem. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimization of truss topology using tabu search

A design procedure for integrating topological considerations in the framework of structural optimization is presented. The proposed approach is capable of considering multiple load conditions, stress, displacement and local/global buckling constraints, and multiple objective functions in the problem formulation. Further, since the proposed method permits members to be added to or deleted from an existing topology and the topology is not defined by member areas, the difficulty of not being able to reach singular optima is also avoided. These objectives are accomplished using a discrete optimization procedure which uses 0–1 topological variables to optimize alternate designs. Since the topological variables are discrete in nature and the member cross-sections are assumed to be continuous, the topological optimization problem has mixed discrete-continuous variables. This non-linear programming problem is solved using a memory-based combinatorial optimization technique known as tabu search. Numerical results obtained using tabu search for single and multiobjective topological optimization of truss structures are presented. To model the multiple objective functions in the problem formulation, a cooperative game theoretic approach is used. The results indicate that the optimum topologies obtained using tabu search compare favourably, and in some instances, outperform the results obtained using the ground–structure approach. However, this improvement occurs at the expense of a significant increase in computational burden owing to the fact that the proposed approach necessitates that the geometry of each trial topology be optimized.     

Minimum weight design of non‐linear elastic structures with multimodal buckling constraints

It well known that multimodal instability is an event particularly relevant in structural optimization. Here, in the context of non‐linear stability theory, an exact method is developed for minimum weight design of elastic structures with multimodal buckling constraints. Given an initial design, the method generates a sequence of improved designs by determining a sequence of critical equilibrium points related to decreasing values of the structural weight. Multimodal buckling constraints are imposed without repeatedly solving an eigenvalue problem, and the difficulties related to the non‐differentiability in the common sense of state variables in multimodal critical states, are overcome by means of the Lagrange multiplier method. Further constraints impose that only the first critical equilibrium states (local maxima or bifurcation points) on the initial equilibrium path of the actual designs are taken into account. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization algorithm for mass minimization with multiple structural constraints

A bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization algorithm is presented, which employs integer linear programming to compute optimal solutions to topology optimization problems with the objective of mass minimization. The objective and constraint functions are linearized using Taylor's first-order approximation, thereby allowing the method to handle all types of constraints without using Lagrange multipliers or sensitivity thresholds. A relaxation of the constraint targets is performed such that only small changes in topology are allowed during a single update, thus ensuring the existence of feasible solutions. A variety of problems are solved, demonstrating the ability of the method to easily handle a number of structural constraints, including compliance, stress, buckling, frequency, and displacement. This is followed by an example with multiple structural constraints and, finally, the method is demonstrated on a wing-box, showing that topology optimization for mass minimization of real-world structures can be considered using the proposed methodology.     

COMPUTER-AIDED MINIMUM-WEIGHT DESIGN OF STATICALLY INDETERMINATE BEAMS

The paper presents minimum-weight design of statically indeterminate beams subject to limits on normal and shear stresses. The loading consists of both external loads and self-weight. Analytical expressions for the stress constraints and the objective function are replaced by splines of desired order leading to a linear or non-linear programming problem (NLP) depending on the cross-sectional shape. It is found that the solution method based on a reduction of the NLP to a sequence of linear programs is the most efficient and reliable. The solution of the optimization problem is presented in a visual form using an existing CAD-package.     

不同截面梁构件的刚度和稳定性优化设计

本文运用有限元分析与优化设计软件JIFEX，对五种常用截面梁结构的尺寸和形状进行了抗剪、抗弯、抗扭的刚度优化设计和在轴力、剪力作用下的结构稳定性优化设计。通过对优化设计的计算结果分析，得到了对工程设计有意义的若干结论。然后通过飞机结构中一种波形梁构件的优化，进一步讨论了波形梁的波数对结构稳定性和刚度的影响。     

Design optimization using multiple dominance relations

A challenge in engineering design is to choose suitable objectives and constraints from many quantities of interest, while ensuring an optimization is both meaningful and computationally tractable. We propose an optimization formulation that can take account of more quantities of interest than existing formulations, without reducing the tractability of the problem. This formulation searches for designs that are optimal with respect to a binary relation within the set of designs that are optimal with respect to another binary relation. We then propose a method of finding such designs in a single optimization by defining an overall ranking function to use in optimizers, reducing the cost required to solve this formulation. In a design under uncertainty problem, our method obtains the most robust design that is not stochastically dominated faster than a multiobjective optimization. In a car suspension design problem, our method obtains superior designs according to a k-optimality condition than previously suggested multiobjective approaches to this problem. In an airfoil design problem, our method obtains designs closer to the true lift/drag Pareto front using the same computational budget as a multiobjective optimization.     

Buckling optimization and antioptimization of composite plates: uncertain loading combinations

The problem of optimal design for elastic buckling loads of composite plates under uncertain loading conditions is considered. It is observed that this is a multicriterion optimization problem whose solution is time consuming. Thus, an alternative minimax formulation is proposed and demonstrated. The buckling load is maximized with respect to the structural parameters and minimized with respect to variations in the load parameters. The mechanical loads applied to the rectangular plates are a combination of normal compression and shear. Moreover, the admissible loading configurations belong to a convex hull which significantly enhances the optimization procedure. The consideration of an uncertainty degree in the mechanical loads leads to optimal designs which are inherently insensitive to perturbations and/or randomness in the applied loads. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using the sequential linear integer programming method as a post‐processor for stress‐constrained topology optimization problems

This paper deals with topology optimization of load‐carrying structures defined on discretized continuum design domains. In particular, the minimum compliance problem with stress constraints is considered. The finite element method is used to discretize the design domain into n finite elements and the design of a certain structure is represented by an n‐dimensional binary design variable vector. In order to solve the problems, the binary constraints on the design variables are initially relaxed and the problems are solved with both the method of moving asymptotes and the sparse non‐linear optimizer solvers for continuous optimization in order to compare the two solvers. By solving a sequence of problems with a sequentially lower limit on the amount of grey allowed, designs that are close to ‘black‐and‐white’ are obtained. In order to get locally optimal solutions that are purely {0, 1}ⁿ, a sequential linear integer programming method is applied as a post‐processor. Numerical results are presented for some different test problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A fast method for binary programming using first‐order derivatives,with application to topology optimization with buckling constraints

We present a method for finding solutions of large‐scale binary programming problems where the calculation of derivatives is very expensive. We then apply this method to a topology optimization problem of weight minimization subject to compliance and buckling constraints. We derive an analytic expression for the derivative of the stress stiffness matrix with respect to the density of an element in the finite‐element setting. Results are presented for a number of two‐dimensional test problems.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于并行混沌和复合形法的桁架结构形状优化

针对多工况下受应力、位移和局部稳定性约束的桁架形状优化问题,提出了基于并行混沌优化算法和复合形法的混合优化算法。该算法综合利用了并行混沌的全局搜索能力,复合形法的快速局部搜索能力和混沌细搜索。首先,利用并行混沌优化算法快速搜索到全局最优解附近,然后应用改进复合形法以并行混沌的优化解为初始复形进行搜索,提高了最优解的搜索速度,最后应用混沌细搜索策略提高最优解的精度。两个典型数值算例验证了该混合优化方法对桁架形状优化问题的有效性和稳定性。     

Optimization of structures under buckling constraints using frame elements

Structural optimization is of increasing interest in a wide variety of application fields. In this article, structural optimization under stress and buckling constraints is investigated. A structure comprised of a set of frame elements is considered. The aim is to obtain the minimal mass structure, by optimizing the number of frame elements and their cross sectional dimensions. A formulation as a mixed-integer nonlinear optimization problem with a tailored objective function is introduced. This cost function is a combination of the structural mass and the sum of the second moments of inertia of each structural element. Moreover, a new algorithm, tailored to the considered problem, is proposed. Numerical results show that the proposed approach provides interesting structural mass savings.     

Optimum design of laminated fibre composite plates

A method is presented for the minimum weight optimum design of laminated fibre composite plates, subject to multiple inplane loading conditions, which includes stiffness, strength and elastic stability constraints. The buckling analysis is based on an equivalent orthotropic plate approach leading to two uncoupled eigenproblems per load condition. Overall computational efficiency is achieved by using constraint deletion techniques in conjunction with Taylor series approximations for the constraints retained. The optimization algorithm used, namely the method of inscribed hyperspheres, is a sequence of linear programs technique which exhibits rapid convergence in this application. Several example problems are given to demonstrate that the method presented offers an efficient and practical optimum design procedure for the fundamental and recurring problem treated.     

Optimum design of truss structures undergoing large deflections subject to a system stability constraint

A structural optimization algorithm is developed for shallow trusses undergoing large deflections subject to a system stability constraint. The method combines the non‐linear buckling analysis, through displacement control technique, with the optimality criteria approach. Four examples illustrate the procedure and allow the results obtained to be compared with those in the literature. It is shown that a design based on the generalized eigenvalue problem (linear buckling) highly underestimates the optimum mass for these types of structures so a design based on the linear buckling analysis can result in catastrophic failure. In one of the design examples the stresses in the elements, in the optimum design, exceed the allowable stresses, pointing out the need for a design that accounts for both non‐linear buckling and stress constraints. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Topology optimization of continuum structures with stress constraints and uncertainties in loading

Topology optimization using stress constraints and considering uncertainties is a serious challenge, since a reliability problem has to be solved for each stress constraint, for each element in the mesh. In this paper, an alternative way of solving this problem is used, where uncertainty quantification is performed through the first‐order perturbation approach, with proper validation by Monte Carlo simulation. Uncertainties are considered in the loading magnitude and direction. The minimum volume problem subjected to local stress constraints is formulated as a robust problem, where the stress constraints are written as a weighted average between their expected value and standard deviation. The augmented Lagrangian method is used for handling the large set of local stress constraints, whereas a gradient‐based algorithm is used for handling the bounding constraints. It is shown that even in the presence of small uncertainties in loading direction, different topologies are obtained when compared to a deterministic approach. The effect of correlation between uncertainties in loading magnitude and direction on optimal topologies is also studied, where the main observed result is loss of symmetry in optimal topologies.     

New conceptual design of aeroelastic wing structures by multi-objective optimization

Internal structural layouts and component sizes of aircraft wing structures have a significant impact on aircraft performance such as aeroelastic characteristics and mass. This work presents an approach to achieve simultaneous partial topology and sizing optimization of a three-dimensional wing-box structure. A multi-objective optimization problem is assigned to optimize lift effectiveness, buckling factor and mass of a structure. Design constraints include divergence and flutter speeds, buckling factor and stresses. The topology and sizing design variables for wing internal components are based on a ground element approach. The design problem is solved by multi-objective population-based incremental learning (MOPBIL). The Pareto optimum results lead to unconventional wing structures that are superior to their conventional counterparts.     

Simultaneous buckling design of stiffened shells with multiple cutouts

Buckling is usually initiated from a local region near the cutout for cylindrical stiffened shells under axial compression, and then the evolution of buckling waves is governed by the combined effects of local and global stiffness, which limit the load-carrying capacity. Therefore, a simultaneous buckling pattern is crucial for improving the structural efficiency. In this study, a multi-step optimization strategy for the integrated design of near and far fields away from cutouts is proposed, and the convergence criterion of buckling optimization is improved as a deformation-based index. The numerical implementation of the asymptotic homogenization method is utilized to construct an efficient finite element model for post-buckling analysis. A 5?m diameter stiffened shell in a launch vehicle demonstrates that the proposed framework can provide a simultaneous buckling design with high structural efficiency in an efficient manner. Both the buckling deformations and stress of the optimum design are more uniform compared to other optimum designs.     

MOST EFFICIENT NLP TECHNIQUES IN OPTIMUM STRUCTURAL FRAME DESIGN

This paper identifies the two most efficient non-linear programming techniques for the solution of optimization problems of plane structural frames under multiple load systems. The problem is one of minimizing the mass or the frame subject to constraints on normal and shear stresses, the maximum transverse deflection and buckling load. In all, five different NLP techniques are tried, and it is found that the sequential linear and sequential convex programming techniques are the most efficient for the solution of the class of NLP problems under consideration     

采用相似变换解决含压杆稳定约束的桁架满应力设计

基于满应力设计思想,考虑桁架杆件在压力作用下的局部稳定约束,采用相似变换的方法,找出了惯性矩I与截面面积A的关系,根据压杆的临界应力分别导出大、中、小柔度的迭代公式,设计出压杆的截面积,解决了同时满足应力约束和局部稳定约束的桁架结构截面优化问题。在MSC/NASTRAN上利用PCL语言开发出了含局部稳定约束的桁架优化的更合理、更精确的优化软件。     

Optimal design of hybrid laminates with discrete ply angles for maximum buckling load and minimum cost

The design of hybrid symmetric laminated plates consisting of high-stiffness surface and low-stiffness core layers is presented. In the first problem the maximization of buckling load is carried out over a discrete set of ply angles. In the second problem the minimum number of high-stiffness plies is determined for a given buckling load to minimize the material cost. Boolean variables are introduced to specify stacking sequence. Solution of the linear optimization problem yields an optimal stacking sequence. The effect of hybridization is investigated for various problem parameters such as the aspect ratio of the laminate and the number of plies. The optimal designs are obtained with upper bound constraints on the effect of bending-twisting coupling stiffnesses. Results are given for hybrid graphite-epoxy/glass-epoxy laminates under both uniaxial and biaxial loadings.