Topology optimization of elasto-plastic structures under reliability constraints: A first order approach

Abstract

The objective of this study is to propose a relatively simple and efficient method for reliability based topology optimization for structures made of elasto-plastic material. The process of determining the optimal topology of elasto-perfectly plastic structures is associated with the removal of material from the structure. Such a process leads to weakening of structural strength and stiffness causing at the same time increase the likelihood of structural failure. An important aspect of engineering design is to track this probability during the optimization process and not allow the structure safety to exceed a certain level specified by the designer. The purpose of this work is to combine the previously developed yield-limited topology optimization method with reliability analysis using first order approach. Effectiveness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated on benchmark problems proposed by Rozvany and Maute, and the elasto-plastic topology design of L-shape structure which is frequently used in different approaches for stress constrained topology optimization.