Structural Topology Design Optimization Using the Binary Bat Algorithm

Abstract

In this study, the binary bat algorithm (BBA) for structural topology optimization is implemented. The problem is to find the stiffest structure using a certain amount of material and some constraints using the bit-array representation method. A new filtering algorithm is proposed to make BBA find designs with no separated objects, no checkerboard patterns, less unusable material, and higher structural performance. A volition penalty function for topology optimization is also proposed to accelerate the convergence toward the optimal design. The main effect of using the BBA lies in the fact that the BBA is able to handle a large number of design variables in comparison with other well-known metaheuristic algorithms. Based on the numerical results of four benchmark problems in structural topology optimization for minimum compliance, the following conclusions are made: (1) The BBA with the proposed filtering algorithm and penalty function are effective in solving large-scale numerical topology optimization problems (fine finite elements mesh). (2) The proposed algorithm produces solid-void designs without gray areas, which makes them practical solutions that are applicable in manufacturing.

Recent advances of bat-inspired algorithm, its versions and applications

“…The algorithm is altered to solve binary search space optimization problems. Many researchers use different types of transfer functions to transform the optimization process of BA from continuous to binary domains [ 138 , 181 , 190 , 216 , 231 , 306 , 313 , 336 ].…”

“…BA is proposed by Xin-She Yang [ 318 ] which take a considerable attentions from different research communities due to its impressive features such as it can simply tolerate to optimization problems, its optimization concepts are easily understandable, it is sound and complete, and it is flexible for expansion. Therefore, it has been vastly utilized for several kinds of optimization applications such as scheduling [ 344 ], engineering [ 138 ], robotics [ 283 ], Image and signal processing [ 327 ], electrical and power systems [ 224 ], and wireless sensors and networking [ 277 ]. In the initial establishment, BA is proposed for global optimization problems.…”

Reverse Engineering and Topology Optimization for Weight-Reduction of a Bell-Crank

“…Assuming a structure that is subjected to the prescribed external loads and under appropriate supports, the design domain is meshed with N finite elements. To achieve a reduction in mass, the topology optimization statement is expressed as [5,16,[18][19][20]:…”

“…Hence, engineers are constantly trying to improve the performance of bell crank by reducing its weight, while maintaining its structural integrity. To achieve that, engineers have been using the structural topology optimization method to find an optimal material distribution in a structural design domain considering an objective function in presence of constraints [2][3][4][5].…”

Enforcing a Force–Displacement Curve of a Nonlinear Structure Using Topology Optimization with Slope Constraints

“…We employ the energy interpolation scheme to mitigate the numerical instability. In addition, filtering is used to ensure a global convergent design in the topology optimization, through sensitivity filtering [20], density filtering [15], and the binary bat algorithmic filter [21] approaches. However, the filters inherently produce gray transition regions between solid and void regions.…”