Synthesis of a Dynamically Loaded Structure with Topology Optimization

In this paper, a Hybrid Cellular Automaton (HCA) algorithm has been utilized to develop an efficient methodology for synthesizing structures under a dynamic loading event. This method utilizes the cellular automata computing paradigm with the nonlinear transient finite element analysis. Previous work in topology optimization for structural design has concentrated on modeling assuming static loading conditions due to the complexities associated with dynamic loading. An HCA method has been developed to address more complicated cases that involve dynamic events, such as impacts and collisions. To illustrate this technology, a generic design domain that represents an automotive crush structure is presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methodology in synthesizing crashworthy, constant cross section structures. Influence of mass fraction on final topology and application of this methodology for multiple load cases is presented.