An Efficient Structure Stiffness Topology Optimization Strategy under Crash Loads Using Reduced Equivalent Static Loads Method

This paper presents a new method using reduced equivalent static loads for structural topology optimization design under crash loads. At each cycle, crash dynamic analysis and static model order reduction are performed to obtain the nonlinear displacement vector and reduction stiffness matrix respectively. Once the RESLs are built by multiplying the reduction stiffness matrix and the nodal displacement vector at the time with maximal internal energy, the size of the equivalent static loads can be reduced and their position can be transferred. The linear static topology optimization is performed under the RESLs, and the optimization results are filtered into a black-white design for the crash simulation to avoid the mesh distortion issue. The process is repeated until the convergence criteria are satisfied. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by investing two numerical examples. The results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the numerical stability and convergence, as well as, provide a feasible strategy for the topology optimization design of engineering structures under crash loads.