An integrated design methodology for modular trusses including dynamic grouping, module spatial orientation, and topology optimization

Tugilimana, Alexis; Coelho, Rajan Filomeno; Thrall, Ashley P.

doi:10.1007/s00158-019-02230-w

Cited by 13 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 45 publications

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“…On the other hand, large-scale (hundreds of elements [5]) truss topology optimization applications are limited. In [9,21,22], modules (groups of elements with predetermined topologies) are used during the topology optimization process to minimize the weight. In [23], the AMOSA, SPEA and PBIL algorithms were applied to the 3D tower topology optimization problem for multiobjective problems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multiobjective topology optimization of planar trusses using stress trajectories and metaheuristic algorithms

Niño-Alvarez

Begambre-Carrillo

2022

Rev.Fac.Ing.Univ.Antioquia

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In civil engineering, structural optimization seeks an efficient use of material resources and the automatization of the design process of a wide range of structures such as frames, bridges, and other systems. This work develops a novel multiobjective topology optimization process to minimize planar trusses' weight and strain energy. In the initial stage, an optimized discrete geometry of the ground structure is generated from a continuum design space with general boundary conditions (loads and supports) using the stress trajectories theory. In the final stage, size optimization is performed using the concept of Envelope Pareto Front (EVP), which is obtained from the best solutions provided by three efficient multiobjective metaheuristic algorithms (NSGA-II, MOPSO and AMOSA). The results obtained on a large-scale truss (200 m span continuous bridge) showed that innovative geometries could be found (new connectivity patterns). The generation of an EVP allows getting a more significant number of non-dominated solutions, exploring a broader region of the Pareto front and the two objective functions, achieving greater convergence and diversity than the algorithms' individual performance. The computation cost of the optimization strategy was satisfactory, which allows its potential implementation in actual large-scale trusses, discovering optimized, innovative solutions for this type of structures.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multiobjective topology optimization of planar trusses using stress trajectories and metaheuristic algorithms

Niño-Alvarez

Begambre-Carrillo

2022

Rev.Fac.Ing.Univ.Antioquia

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“…The topology of the module is influenced most by the region with the highest compliance. The resulting module design is used at different locations in the structure, therefore not leading to the most optimal solution for these regions (Tugilimana et al 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This has been incorporated for truss structures based on the ground structure approach. Moreover, the modules were also allowed to rotate (Tugilimana et al 2019). For a 2D continuum, the definition of a mapping between the design variables of a module unit and the corresponding sub-domains was extended to enable simultaneous optimization of multiple module unit topologies and their layout in the sub-domains (Higginson et al 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simultaneous optimization of topology and layout of modular stiffeners on shells and plates

Bakker

Zhang

Higginson

et al. 2021

Struct Multidisc Optim

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Stiffened shells and plates are widely used in engineering. Their performance is highly influenced by the arrangement, or layout, of stiffeners on the base shell or plate and the geometric features, or topology, of these stiffeners. Moreover, modular design is beneficial, since it allows for increased quality control and mass production. In this work, a method is developed that simultaneously optimizes the topology of stiffeners and their layout on a base shell or plate. This is accomplished by introducing a fixed number of modular stiffeners, which are subject to density-based topology optimization and a mapping of these modules to a ground structure. To illustrate potential applications, several stiffened plates and shell examples are presented. All examples demonstrated that the proposed method is able to generate clear topologies for any number of modules and a distinct layout of the stiffeners on the base shell or plate.

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“…Modular architectured materials, (self-)assembled [1] from a number of patterned components called modules, boost structural sustainability with possibly (re)configurable, multi-functional structures and mechanisms [2,3,4,5,6] while enabling efficient mass manufacturing through prefabrication, e.g., [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In principle, the design problem involves solving a bilevel modular-topology optimization problem incorporating (i) the design of the module topologies, and (ii) the spatial arrangement of the modules, both of which drive the resulting performance and versatility of the final structure. While the lower-level problem alone introduces only a slight modification to standard topology optimization (TO) procedures [8,5,9], the upper-level assembly plan design adds another combinatorial dimension to the structure of the problem [8]. For the case of continuum topology optimization, the module design problem lacks convexity and appears to be strongly dependent on initial guesses, which makes a rigorous assessment of assembly plan performance challenging.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modular-topology optimization of structures and mechanisms with free material design and clustering

Tyburec,

Doškář,

Zeman

et al. 2021

Preprint

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In the optimal design of modular structures and mechanisms, two key questions must be answered: (i) what should the topology of individual modules be like and (ii) how should modules be arranged at the product scale? We address these challenges by proposing a bi-level sequential strategy that combines free material design, clustering techniques, and topology optimization. First, using free material optimization enhanced with post-processing for checkerboard suppression, we determine the distribution of elasticity tensors at the product scale. To extract the sought-after modular arrangement, we partition the obtained elasticity tensors with a novel deterministic clustering algorithm and interpret its outputs within Wang tiling formalism. Finally, we design interiors of individual modules by solving a single-scale topology optimization problem with the design space reduced by modular mapping, conveniently starting from an initial guess provided by free material optimization. We illustrate these developments with three benchmarks first, covering compliance minimization of modular structures, and, for the first time, the design of compliant modular mechanisms. Furthermore, we design a set of modules reusable in an inverter and in gripper mechanisms, which ultimately pave the way towards the rational design of modular architectured (meta)materials.

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An integrated design methodology for modular trusses including dynamic grouping, module spatial orientation, and topology optimization

Cited by 13 publications

References 45 publications

Multiobjective topology optimization of planar trusses using stress trajectories and metaheuristic algorithms

Multiobjective topology optimization of planar trusses using stress trajectories and metaheuristic algorithms

Simultaneous optimization of topology and layout of modular stiffeners on shells and plates

Modular-topology optimization of structures and mechanisms with free material design and clustering

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