Stress-related topology optimization of continuum structures involving multi-phase materials

Considering stress constraints in structural topology optimization is very important from both theoretical and application perspectives. Most of the corresponding studies in literature, however, are only focused on the problems involving single phase homogenous materials. In the present paper, stress-constrained topology optimization of continuum structures involving multi-phase heterogeneous materials is investigated. A level-set based variational consistent solution framework is developed. Numerical examples are also presented and discussed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.