Shaping the stiffest three-dimensional structures from two given isotropic materials
Abstract
The paper concerns layout optimization of elastic three dimensional bodies composed of two isotropic materials of given amount. Optimal distribution of the materials corresponds to minimization of the total compliance or the work of the given design-independent loading. The problem is discussed in its relaxed form admitting composite domains, according to the known theoretical results on making the minimum compliance problems well posed. The approach is based upon explicit formulae for the components of Hooke's tensor of the third rank stiff two material composites. An appropriate derivation of these formulae is provided. The numerical algorithm is based on COC concept, the equilibrium problems being solved by the ABAQUS system. Some of the optimal layouts presented compare favourably with the known benchmark solutions. The paper shows how to use commercial FEM codes to find optimal composite designs within linear elasticity theory.
Keywords
References
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