The LS-TaSC(TM) Multipoint Method for Constrained Topology Optimization

The new multi-point constrained optimization scheme is for the constrained topology design of highly nonlinear structures for which analytical design sensitivity information is hard to compute. These highly nonlinear structures are designed for multiple load cases and multiple constraints, which means that the final design should have load paths for each load case as well as satisfy the constraints. This is done here by using two sets of variables: the local variables describing the part topology on the element level and the global variables consisting of the load case weights and part masses. The two sets of variables are treated differently in the design algorithm: the local variables are computed using a suitable method such as fully stressed design, while the values of the global variables satisfying the constraints are computed using numerical derivatives and mathematical programming.