Numerical and Experimental Photoelasticity Topology Optimization

Abstract

The photoelasticity experimental technique is developed, which extends the topology optimization method to realistic engineering design problems. The new approach enables the efficient design of complex engineering structures by allowing the designer to control the material distribution among the design areas during the optimal design process, thereby allowing the use of multiload mechanical components in a variety of applications. This study enables a novel approach to topology optimization using the photoelasticity method. The primary objective of this research is to demonstrate the viability and efficacy of using photoelasticity in topology optimization for stress-constrained design problems. The proposed methodology involves of a number of essential steps, including material selection, specimen preparation, photoelastic testing, image processing, and optimization algorithms. The integration of photoelasticity into the optimization process permits more accurate and insightful evaluations of stress distributions within structures as well as more realistic stress constraints, resulting in designs that are not only structurally efficient but also resistant to failure. The methodology presented here provides an innovative and practical approach to solving real-world engineering problems, particularly in fields where accurate stress analysis is crucial, including aerospace engineering, civil engineering, and biomechanics. The photoelasticity experimental method is demonstrated for the linking plate design problem associated with the brake drum end. The case study illustrates the potential significance of the newly developed capability for a wide variety of engineering design problems, which reduces the amount of material by 50%. This methodology expands upon conventional topology optimization techniques that rely solely on numerical simulations.