OS-E: 0835 Failsafe Topology Optimization of 3D Column

Demonstrates Failsafe topology optimization of a 3D column, using OptiStruct.

FSO divides the structure into damage zones and generates multiple models (equal to the number of failure zones), wherein each model is the same as the original model minus one failure zone. In this process, the FSO method is applied by running Topology Optimization simultaneously for all such generated models and a final design is output which is optimized to account for all generated models.
Note: If the number of damage zones is large, which means the number of SPMD domains is high. Such a job typically requires to be run on multiple nodes with cluster setup.


Figure 1. FE Model with Loadcases and Loadstep

Model Files

Before you begin, copy the file(s) used in this example to your working directory.

Model Description

Conduct a FSO topology optimization of the 2D plate which is undergoing a compression loading (force applied in negative Z-direction). The design space is shown in green in Figure 1. The column is modeled using first order Hexa elements.
Objective
Minimize the compliance
Constrains
Minimize 30% of the volume
Design Variables
Topology Design Variable

Results

Regular Topology optimization runs may not account for the feasibility of a design in situations where a section of the structure fails, and the regular topology optimization design fails even if one column fails. However, with FSO that is not case.


Figure 2. Damage Models


Figure 3. Element Density Results at 35th Iteration