Feature-Integrated Structural Optimization Design Method and Performance Evaluation for Hollow Slab Structures

Abstract

In view of the main contradiction between traditional topology optimization for basic theory research and the actual requirements of comprehensive performance for modern industrial products, a feature-integrated structural optimization design method with an appropriate reliability, a light weight, and excellent mechanical properties for continuum structures was established based on the reliability-based topology optimization of modified minimum weight with a displacement constraint (RBTO-MMWDC) model. Taking hollow slab structures as an example, a graphical user interface based on the optimization code was developed for practical applications. Furthermore, the topological layout of β =3.0 was selected for geometric model reconstruction and mechanical property evaluations were performed using the finite element method (FEM) and experiments. Compared with those of the traditional structure, the compression resistance and bending resistance properties of the optimized structure are improved by 29% and 75%, respectively, and the first-order natural frequency is increased by 101%. In addition, the results of the experiments are consistent with the simulation in terms of tendency. The bending resistance strength and stiffness of the optimized structure are improved by 61% and 55%, respectively. This study provides a theoretical reference and feasible solution for the feature-integrated design of continuum structures in engineering applications.

Keywords

• Feature integration design
• reliability-based topology optimization
• hollow slab structures
• additive manufacturing
• mechanical property