Topology optimization with displacement-based nonconforming finite elements for incompressible materials

This investigation is concerned with the topology optimization using displacement-based nonconforming finite elements for problems involving incompressible materials. Although the topology optimization with mixed displacement-pressure elements was performed, a displacement-based approach can be an efficient alternative because it interpolates displacement only. After demonstrating the Poisson locking-free characteristics of the employed nonconforming finite elements by a simple patch test, the developed method is applied to solve the design problems of mounts involving incompressible solid or fluid. The numerical performance of the nonconforming elements in topology optimization was examined also with existing incompressible problems.