An efficient 137-line MATLAB code for geometrically nonlinear topology optimization using bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method

Topology optimization, as a powerful conceptual design method, has been widely adopted in both academic research and industrial applications. To further promote the development of topology optimization, many computer programs have been published for educational purposes over the past decades. However, most of the computer programs are constructed based on a linear assumption. On the basis of bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method, the paper presents a MATLAB implementation of the geometrically nonlinear topology optimization code for compliance minimization of statically loaded structures. Excluding 19 lines which are used for explanation, only 118 lines are needed for the initialization of the design parameters, nonlinear finite element analysis, sensitivity calculation, sensitivity filtration, and topological design variables update. Different design problems can be solved by modifying several lines in the proposed program. The complete 137-line code is included as an Appendix and is intended for educational purposes only.