Applications of topology optimization considering physical nonlinearity

Topology optimization is a powerful computational tool that assists designers in determining efficient structural configurations. In civil engineering, most applications are still limited to the field of theoretical/computational analysis. This limitation restricts the scope and applications of topology optimization concepts for practical problems. Extensive research has focused on topology optimization using isotropic material with linear elastic behavior. However, there is a paucity of studies comparing linear and nonlinear material behaviors, highlighting a research gap in result analysis and structural application fields. For concrete structures, in particular, there is generally a deeply nonlinear behavior, including effects such as cracking, creep, and shrinkage. Therefore, it becomes a challenge to realistically optimize this type of material. This study investigates the applications of topology optimization for evaluating the structural behavior of beams considering the physical nonlinearity of the material. Using the ABAQUS® software and the SIMP method, a finite element numerical analysis is conducted to determine the density distribution in a design domain. The obtained results of the optimized models are compared, and it is observed that the presence of plastic deformations influences relevant aspects of structural behavior. This study contributes to the dissemination of the use of nonlinear constitutive models, highlighting the potential of the concept of optimization-assisted design.