The ICM method for continuum structural topology optimization with condensation of stress constraints

In order to overcome the difficulties of large number ofstress constraints and high cost in calculating the stress sensitivitiesin the topology optimization with stress constraints, this paper proposesthe ICM method for structural topology optimization with condensation ofstress constraints. Using the theory of Mises strength totransform stress constraints into strain energy constraints, two approachesare proposed for condensation of stress constraints. One is globalization ofstress constraints, the other is integration of stress constraints. Thenthe optimal model with a weight objective and condensed strain energyconstraint is established, and the dual theory is used in the optimal model ofcontinuum structure to obtain the numerical solution. Four examples show thatthe method has high computational efficiency and a reasonable optimaltopology can be obtained. In addition, this method is valid not only fortwo dimensionalcontinuum structure but also for three dimensional continuum structure.