Topological material distribution evaluation for steel plate reinforcement by using CCARAT optimizer

The goal of this study is to evaluate and design steel plates with optimal material distributions achieved through a specific material topology optimization by using a CCARAT (Computer Aided Research Analysis Tool) as an optimizer, topologically optimally updating node densities as design variables. In typical material topology optimization, optimal topology and layouts are described by distributing element densities (from almost 0 to 1), which are arithmetic means of node densities. The average element densities are employed as material properties of each element in finite element analysis. CCARAT may deal with material topology optimization to address the mean compliance problem of structural mechanical problems. This consists of three computational steps: finite element analysis, sensitivity analysis, and optimality criteria optimizer updating node densities. The present node density based design via CCARAT using node densities as design variables removes jagged optimal layouts and checkerboard patterns, which are disadvantages of classical material topology optimization using element densities as design variables. Numerical applications that topologically optimize reinforcement material distribution of steel plates of a cantilever type are studied to verify the numerical superiority of the present node density based design via CCARAT.