Three-dimensional cylindrical truss structures: a case study for topological optimization

Abstract

A general minimum-weight cylindrical structural layout for the support of any combination of axial and torsional loading has been developed. The principal intention in this work is to provide a test case for 3-dimensional numerical topological optimization. It is anticipated that the solution may present a challenge, since for the small angular spacing of the truss elements the internal radial force component is always of the order of magnitude of the angular spacing for any arbitrary selected pair of helix families. Moreover for a wide range of solutions slender members are an essential part of the topology.A novel finite element topology optimization procedure is presented based on the application of Beta probability density and cumulative distribution functions. The procedure utilizes a family of Beta functions which provide a smooth transition from a uniform to a bi-modal density distribution, with constant probability mean to conserve constant mass.

Development and validation of a numerical topology optimization scheme for two and three dimensional structures

“…In applying the PMR method to this problem [29,30], the design domain is taken to be a thick walled cylinder subjected to concentrated forces at the ends of the cylinder given by f n in the axial and f t in the tangential directions. The optimized results for cases ranging from pure axial loading (f n = 1, f t = 0) to pure torsion (f n = 0, f t = 1) are shown in Fig.…”

“…An alternative finite element based topology optimization scheme has recently been developed by Taggart et al [ Dewhurst et al [29] and Taggart and Dewhurst [30]. This procedure is based on an iterative prescribed material redistribution (PMR) scheme in which the desired material distribution at each iteration is imposed directly.…”

Finite Element Analysis of Universal-Rod Steel-Shuttering Jumbo for Tunnel Lining

“…Considering reusability of structure, the shuttering and the framework of the URSSJ are designed according to the principle of module assembly [2]. The shuttering includes two side shuttering comprised of 2m×2m smaller straight shuttering and one top arch shuttering comprised of 2m×6m smaller arc shuttering, which are connected by high-strength bolts each other.…”

Bridging topology optimization and additive manufacturing

“…The workflow and techniques presented here apply to most (if not all) of the additive manufacturing technologies. Work combining topology optimization techniques (density-based methods mostly) and additive manufacturing do exist (Brackett et al 2011;Dewhurst and Srithongchai 2005;Dewhurst and Taggart 2009;Meisel et al 2013;Reinhart and Teufelhart 2011;Rezaie et al 2013;Sundararajan 2011;Villanueva and Maute 2014;Gaynor et al 2014). However, at the time of this writing, the use of these technologies is still novel and further developments are required to streamline the process.…”