Explicit structural topology optimization using moving wide Bezier components with constrained ends

Abstract

This paper presents a structural topology optimization method using moving wide Bezier components with constrained ends. In the proposed method, components which are determined by using Bezier curves with a certain width are regarded as design units. These wide Bezier curves are represented by using level set functions. The control points of such wide Bezier curves are taken as design variables. In addition, based on that principle, in order to form one single connected load-bearing structure, the loading, supporting, and/or some other functional interactions must be connected. This is achieved by constraining the ends of the utilized wide Bezier curves which can essentially avoid any structurally invalid designs and thereby smooth the optimization process. The validity of the proposed method is tested on the stiffness and the compliant mechanisms design problem.