Structural topology optimization under rotating load

Abstract

In this work, attempts are made for the first time to carry out structural topology optimization under rotating load caused by the centrifugal force of mass unbalance in rotating machinery. As is known, a rotating load can be decomposed into two harmonic excitations in two orthogonal directions with phase difference, the considered topology optimization problem is handled under two associated harmonic excitations. Due to the presence of phase difference, it is however more complicated than existing works related to harmonic excitations in phase. As the structural response is time-dependent, two topology optimization formulations are thus established to minimize the dynamic compliance and the maximum displacement amplitude of the loaded node over a period, respectively. Meanwhile, harmonic analysis of the structure is carried out by means of the full method and the related sensitivity analysis is presented for both optimization formulations as well. Finally, validities and effects of the proposed optimization formulations are illustrated and compared through typical numerical tests. It is found that both formulations have the ability to reduce the structure vibration caused by the rotating load and similar configurations are obtained after optimization in most tests.