Topology Optimization of shell structures

Abstract

Shell structure are widely constructed in Architectural buildings, nuclear cooling towers, shell roof. Analysis for deign of shell structure is crucial and critical for shell element. The process of topology optimization involves manipulating the distribution of materials within a design space by selectively adding or removing them. This is accomplished through pa rameterization and shape optimization techniques. During the material and shape optimiza tion process of shell structures, the parameterization of the design space is diversified, and the design model is utilized. This study cum research work presents topology optimization of doubly curved shell roof and cantilever beam. comparison of linear verses quadratic La grange analysis using FEA for static displacement analysis is also carried out for validation. Linear analysis is inaccurate and gives wrong result, while quadratic analysis leads to correct value asymptotically. shell formulation is extention of reissner- mindlin theory in account of transverse shear strain. Shell theory and basic formulation is presented in this study. The result of topology optimization is presented for different volume fraction with time history of iteration.