Topology optimization of continuum structures using element free Galerkin method on irregular nodal distribution

Abstract

In this paper, topology optimization of structures is achieved through integrating the element free Galerkin (EFG) method and the solid isotropic method with penalization (SIMP). The strain energy is minimized as objective function. In the proposed method the density is assigned to the Gauss points to obtain an acceptable resolution. Irregular distribution of nodes has also been used in this study. Several benchmark examples were applied to demonstrate the ability of the proposed algorithm and the obtained results compared to the other previous works.