Topology Optimization of Steel Plates Using the Concept of Principal Stresses
Marcelo Silva1; Reyolando Brasil2
1 RM Soluções Engenharia Ltda. - RMSOL; 2 Federal University of ABC - UFABC
doi:10.20906/CPS/CILAMCE2015-0787
Resumo
We intend in this work to present some research results on the topology optimization of steel plates considering the concept of principal stresses. An initial topology design of a constant thickness plate is considered and loads are applied on this. The structural system is modelled with the FEM (Finite Elements Method). In each element is computed the principal stresses. The element with the smallest principal stress is extracted from the system and its mass is redistributed between the others elements, improving their thickness, keeping them constant. The process is repeated until the system becomes unstable. The last stable design obtained in this process is kept. Then another continuous optimization problem is formulated, considering the thickness as the design variable and applying constraints on the stresses and displacements. The design obtained here is adopted as the optimum topology design. Some examples are designed and suggestions for future works are given.
Palavras-chave: Topology Optimization; Plates; Steel Structures; Principal Stresses