An efficient approach to reliability-based topology optimization for the structural lightweight design of planar continuum structures

Abstract

Abstract In order to solve the application restrictions of deterministic-based topology optimization methods arising from the omission of uncertainty factors in practice, and to realize the calculation cost control of reliability-based topology optimization. In consideration of the current reliability-based topology optimization methods of continuum structures mainly based on performance indexes model with a power filter function. An efficient probabilistic reliability-based topology optimization model that regards mass and displacement as an objective function and constraint is established based on the first-order reliability method and a modified economic indexes model with a composite exponential filter function in this study. The topology optimization results obtained by different models are discussed in relation to optimal structure and convergence efficiency. Through numerical examples, it can be seen that the optimal layouts obtained by reliability-based models have an increased amount of material and more support structures, which reveals the necessity of considering uncertainty in lightweight design. In addition, the reliability-based modified model not only can obtain lighter optimal structures compared with traditional economic indexes models in most circumstances, but also has a significant advantage in convergence efficiency, with an average increase of 44.59% and 64.76% compared with the other two reliability-based models. Furthermore, the impact of the reliability index on the results is explored, which verifies the validity of the established model. This study provides a theoretical reference for lightweight or innovative feature-integrated design in engineering applications.