A novel method to synthesize a single topology for dynamically loaded members

Abstract

A topology optimization problem is framed using boundary conditions that involve load magnitude and direction. The generated optimal topology is dependent on the direction of load rather than magnitude. Thus, for a dynamic situation, multiple optimal topologies are obtained. This study proposes a method to generate a single superior topology using superimposition and post-refinement by Gaussian image-processing technique. The dynamic loading condition is discretized using (a) uniform and (b) performance-based non-uniform criteria. Three image-processing parameters are applied to retain the desired volume fraction and simplify the topology from a manufacturing aspect. A one-degree-of-freedom manipulator link is considered as an example. Solid isotropic material with penalization method is selected to update the design variables. The programmable logic controller with human-machine interface-based experimental setup is used to validate the simulation results. The synthesized topology (50% mass reduction) from the non-uniform increment method performs best among all uniform approaches and individual topologies.