YU Y Q, HAN W Z, WANG C. Topology optimization of cross-plate nodes with castability consideration[J].Journal of Henan Polytechnic University( Natural Science) ，doi:10.16186/j.cnki.1673-9787-2023110038.

doi:10.16186/j.cnki.1673-9787-2023110038.

Received：2023-11-17

Revised：2024-03-04

Online：2024-03-26

Topology optimization of cross-plate nodes with castability consideration(Online)

YU Yongqiang¹, HAN Wenzhe¹, WANG Chao²

(1. School of Civil Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, Henan, China； 2. School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan, China)

Abstract: Objectives Cross-plate nodes are widely used in spatial structural engineering. Under traditional topology optimization methods, the optimized design of such structures often features complex geometric configurations, which can lead to casting difficulties. To this end, a structural topology optimization method considering casting constraint is introduced to investigate the design castability of this type of typical spatial structure nodes. Methods Under the framework of the density-based approach, an optimization model is established to minimize structural compliance (equivalent to maximizing structural stiffness), in which both the material volume and casting constraints are considered. Density filtering combined with threshold projection is used to reduce the intermediate densities of the optimized designs. The P-norm function is employed to solve the differentiability of the casting constraint function. Then, the optimized design of typical 2D and 3D cross-plate nodes is studied. Results The results show that the application of structural topology optimization with casting constraint is an effective way to solve the casting difficulties mentioned above. Different demoulding directions and material volumes will lead to different node designs. Reasonable demoulding directions and sufficient materials will be conducive to obtaining high-performance node designs. The filter radius and mesh density mainly affect the design quality of optimized nodes. The smaller the filter radius, the finer the node design, and the finer the mesh density, the smoother the node design. Conclusions The optimized design obtained by the method here not only possesses an innovative configuration but also meets the casting requirements. This work provides a useful reference for the optimized design of cast-steel nodes with castability consideration.

Key words: Topology optimization; Cross-plate nodes; Castability; Cast-steel nodes; Spatial structure