Isogeometric Topology Optimization of Continuum Structures using an Evolutionary Algorithm

Topology optimization has been an interesting area of research in recent years. The main focus of this paper is to use an evolutionary swarm intelligence algorithm to perform Isogeometric Topology optimization of continuum structures. A two-dimensional plate is analyzed statically and the nodal displacements are calculated. The nodal displacements using Isogeometric analysis are found to be in good agreement with the nodal displacements acquired by standard finite element analysis. The sizing optimization of the beam is then performed. In order to determine the stress at each point in the beam a formulation is presented. The optimal cross-section dimensions by performing Isogeometric analysis are acquired and verified with the cross-section dimensions achieved by hiring bending stress and shear stress criteria, as well. The topology optimization of a two-dimensional simply supported plate continuum and a problem on three-dimensional continuum are optimized and presented. The results show that the minimum weight which is found by applying Isogeometric topology optimization gives better results compared to the traditional finite element analysis.