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An improved soft-kill BESO algorithm for optimal distribution of single or multiple material phases

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Abstract

Finding the optimum distribution of material phases in a multi-material structure is a frequent and important problem in structural engineering which involves topology optimization. The Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization (BESO) method is now a well-known topology optimization method. In this paper an improved soft-kill BESO algorithm is introduced which can handle both single and multiple material distribution problems. A new filtering scheme and a gradual procedure inspired by the continuation approach are used in this algorithm. Capabilities of the proposed method are demonstrated using different examples. It is shown that the proposed method can result in considerable improvements compared to the normal BESO algorithm particularly when solving problems involving very soft material or void phase.

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Notes

  1. Another conclusion is that the results of the variable thickness sheet problem will have less elements with intermediate thickness (grey elements) when the maximum and minimum allowed thicknesses are chosen close to each other. See Table 1.

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Ghabraie, K. An improved soft-kill BESO algorithm for optimal distribution of single or multiple material phases. Struct Multidisc Optim 52, 773–790 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-015-1268-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-015-1268-2

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