A novel topology optimisation methodology for robust design of structural components considering material defects

Abstract

This work outlines a new Topology Optimisation methodology whereby material defects are introduced at the earliest stage of the structural design process, leading to more robust final design solutions. We couple the Levelset Method and the Floating Node Method to capture a moving material boundary explicitly on the Finite Element mesh. A continuum design sensitivity analysis scheme based on a measure of the energy release rate is used to quantify the impact of the defect. We show how the structure is optimised to reduce this measure and mitigate the impact of the material defect on the overall response.