Topology optimization of joint load control with geometrical nonlinearity

This paper presents an extended topology optimization approach considering joint load constraints with geo-metrical nonlinearity in design of assembled structures. The geometrical nonlinearity is firstly included to reflect the structural response and the joint load distribution under large deformation. To avoid a failure of fastener joints, topology optimization is then carried out to minimize the structural end compliance in the equilibrium state while controlling joint loads intensities over fasteners. During nonlinear analysis and optimization, a novel implementation of adjoint vector sensitivity analysis along with super element condensation is introduced to address numerical instability issues. The degrees of freedom of weak regions are condensed so that their influences are excluded from the iterative Newton-Raphson (NR) solution. Numerical examples are presented to validate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed method. The effects of joint load constraints and geometrical nonlinearity are highlighted by comparing numerical optimization results.