A Methodology of Using Topology Optimization in Finite Element Stress Analysis To Reduce Weight of a Structure

A methodology of using topological optimization technique for bring down the weight of a structure has been discussed. Special variables are defined for each of the finite elements, which are related to the thickness, density and Young's Modulus of the material. A Topology optimization problem is set up to solve for these special variables. The major advantage in this method is that the user can give additional stress and displacement constraints. Optimization solvers, which can handle discrete variables, are required. At the end of the optimization the special variables are snapped on to pre-defined extreme values which determine which elements could be successfully eliminated to reduce weight of the structure.