Weight Optimization of Thick Plate Structures Using Radial Basis Functions Parameterization

Abstract

This study sought to optimize the weight of thick plate structures with topology optimization. Topology optimization is a numerical method for identification of voids in the design domain, to aid weight and material reduction. The level set approach is a new method in topology optimization. In this work, the radial basis functions level set approach is used to parameterize the continuum domain. The radial basis functions are used to parameterize the level set functions, which comprise axial symmetric, real value functions. These functions are suitable tools for function approximation. Thick plates are one of the most useful and familiar geometries in structural and mechanical engineering applications. Topology optimization of such structures would be very useful to identify efficient and lightweight plate structures. In this paper, the effectiveness of the parametric level set approach in topology optimization of clamped plate is demonstrated. The results show smooth boundaries and there are no intermediate densities, which constitutes a major advantage.