GHOST-Gate to Hybrid Optimization of Structural Topologies

Area of Science:

• Engineering
• Computational Mechanics
• Structural Design

Background:

• Topology optimization is crucial for structural and material design.
• Developing innovative and efficient methods is key to advancing the field.
• Existing methods have limitations in generating optimal structural topologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel hybrid algorithm for generating optimal structural topologies with minimal compliance.
• To leverage the strengths of two distinct existing approaches.
• To offer an alternative to current topology generation methods.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid algorithm combining a formal optimality criterion and a heuristic rule for design variable updating.
• Iterative updating of design variables using both approaches.
• Selection of the solution with the lower objective function value at each step.

Main Results:

• Numerical tests on various structures, including a real engineering case, demonstrated effectiveness.
• The hybrid technique achieved lower compliance values compared to standalone algorithms.
• The proposed method shows significant improvements in generating minimal compliance structures.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid algorithm effectively generates optimal structural topologies with minimal compliance.
• This approach offers a promising alternative to existing topology optimization generators.
• The study confirms the advantages of combining different algorithmic strategies.