Application of a Ground Beam-Joint Topology Optimization Method for Multi-Piece Frame Structure Design

Abstract

When a multipiece frame structure is designed, not only its topological layout but also assembly locations should be determined. This paper presents a compliance-minimizing topology optimization technique to determine an optimal layout configuration and to suggest candidate assembly locations. The technique employs a ground beam-joint model and places candidate assembly joints where the values of joint stiffness are relatively small. The zero-length joint elements have varying stiffness controlled by real-valued design variables. Because joint stiffness values at the converged state can be utilized to select candidate assembly locations along with their strengths, the technique is extremely useful in multipiece frame structure design. Because structural properties of ground beams can have only discrete values or remain unchanged for optimization process, no poststructural modification is required in an actual manufacturing step.