A performance-based optimization method for topology design of continuum structures with mean compliance constraints

A performance-based optimization (PBO) method for optimal topology design of linear elastic continuum structures with mean compliance constraints is presented in this paper. The performance-based design concept is incorporated in continuum topology optimization, which is treated as the problem of improving the performance of a continuum design domain in terms of the efficiency of material usage and overall stiffness. A simple scheme is employed in the proposed method to suppress the formation of checkerboard patterns. Two energy-based performance indices are derived for quantifying the topology performance of plane stress structures and plates in bending. Performance-based optimality criteria incorporating performance indices are proposed, and can be used in any continuum topology optimization methods for compliance minimization problems to obtain the optimum. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of the PBO method in producing optimal topologies of continuum structures. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.