Topology optimization for free vibrations using combined approximations

This study shows how the Combined Approximations (CA) can be used for reducing the computational effort in Topology Optimization for free vibrations. The previously developed approach is based on the integration of several concepts and methods, including matrix factorization, series expansion, and reduced basis. In this paper the CA method is used for repeated eigenvalue analysis. Ad joint sensitivity analysis is developed such that the inaccuracies of the approximation are taken into consideration. Several 2-D and 3-D numerical examples show how optimal topology designs can be achieved by the reduced computational effort compared with the exact eigenvalue analysis. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons. Ltd.