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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Eric Masoero, Professor Peter Gosling
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2022, The Author(s). Structural Topology Optimization typically features continuum-based descriptions of the investigated systems. In Part 1 we have proposed a Topology Optimization method for discrete systems and tested it on quasi-static 2D problems of stiffness maximization, assuming linear elastic material. However, discrete descriptions become particularly convenient in the failure and post-failure regimes, where discontinuous processes take place, such as fracture, fragmentation, and collapse. Here we take a first step towards failure problems, testing Discrete Element Topology Optimization for systems with nonlinear material responses. The incorporation of material nonlinearity does not require any change to the optimization method, only using appropriately rich interaction potentials between the discrete elements. Three simple problems are analysed, to show how various combinations of material nonlinearity in tension and compression can impact the optimum geometries. We also quantify the strength loss when a structure is optimized assuming a certain material behavior, but then the material behaves differently in the actual structure. For the systems considered here, assuming weakest material during optimization produces the most robust structures against incorrect assumptions on material behavior. Such incorrect assumptions, instead, are shown to have minor impact on the serviceability of the optimized structures.
Author(s): Masoero E, O'Shaughnessy C, Gosling PD, Chiaia BM
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Meccanica
Year: 2022
Volume: 57
Pages: 1233-1250
Print publication date: 01/06/2022
Online publication date: 08/04/2022
Acceptance date: 08/02/2022
Date deposited: 19/04/2022
ISSN (print): 0025-6455
ISSN (electronic): 1572-9648
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media BV
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-022-01492-x
DOI: 10.1007/s11012-022-01492-x
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