Topology optimization of compliant mechanisms using sequential convex programming

This paper has presented a novel multi-criteria formulation for the topology optimization design of compliant mechanisms by using sequential convex programming approach. Both structural strain energy and mechanical efficiency are shaped together through compromise programming method to develop a new combined formulation to meet the optimal design according to the demands of minimizing structural compliance and maximizing mechanical function specification. The artificial spring model is resorted to reveal the relationship between the work-piece and the compliant mechanism, and the dummy load method is used to further engrave the formulation pattern by superposition of two load cases. Displacement limitation and material usage are imposed as external constraints to narrow the design domain. A sequential convex programming using the approximations of the method of moving asymptotes (MMA) is applied to solve the optimization problem. SIMP interpolation scheme is used to indicate the dependence between the elastic modulus upon regularized element densities. Numerical examples have been applied to demonstrate the validation of the proposed methods.