Multi-objective periodic topology optimization of thermo-mechanical coupling structure with anisotropic materials by using the element-free Galerkin method

A multi-objective periodic topological optimization model of thermo-mechanical coupling structure with anisotropic materials is established by integrating the element-free Galerkin (EFG) method with the weighting method. The periodic constraint is implemented by reallocating equally the relative density and sensitivity of the objective function for EFG node with the same identifier in the different periodic design subdomain. The correctness of the proposed model is verified by comparing optimal anisotropic thermo-mechanical periodic structures based on EFG method with those obtained by FEM, and the results indicate that the optimal multi-objective periodic structures based on EFG method have clearer and smooth profiles no requiring the filtration technology. The influences of the number of design subdomains, weight coefficients, thermal conductivity factors, Poisson's ratio factors and off-angles on optimal EFG multi-objective periodic structure and its performance are explored through an engineering example, and the reasonable range values of the above parameters are recommended. The feasibility of these suggestions is further verified through the performance analysis, and it is indicated that the anisotropic materials with the specific parameters could better improve the performance of optimal EFG multi-objective periodic structure than isotropic materials.