Topology optimization of buckling-induced multistable structures for energy absorption

IF 5.7 1区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, CIVIL

Thin-Walled Structures Pub Date : 2025-03-20 DOI:10.1016/j.tws.2025.113216

Feng Huang , Xin Zhou , Wenyi Gong , Yingqiong Yong , Zhenyu Yang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The multistable structure, which consists of an array of buckling-induced bistable elements, serves as an energy-absorbing system knowned for its reusability. However, its energy absorption efficiency remains comparatively low, thereby limiting its practical application. To address this limitation, this study examines the mechanical characteristics of buckling-induced multistable structures and introduces a topology optimization method designed to maximize their theoretical energy absorption capacity. To ensure stable and accurate finite element simulations and sensitivity analysis, we propose a method that alternates between the Newton and arc-length methods for solving nonlinear equations, and switches between force and displacement loading modes during the simulation. Utilizing this topology optimization approach, we perform optimizations on traditional cosine-shaped two-dimensional curved shells as well as on cosine-shaped domes, resulting in two distinct optimized structures. These optimized structures are subsequently benchmarked against similar bistable structures documented in existing literatures in terms of mechanical performance. The results demonstrate significant enhancements in theoretical maximum energy absorption capacities for the optimized structures, thereby validating the effectiveness of the presented method.

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来源期刊

Thin-Walled Structures 工程技术-工程：土木

CiteScore

9.60

自引率

20.30%

发文量

801

审稿时长

66 days

期刊介绍： Thin-walled structures comprises an important and growing proportion of engineering construction with areas of application becoming increasingly diverse, ranging from aircraft, bridges, ships and oil rigs to storage vessels, industrial buildings and warehouses. Many factors, including cost and weight economy, new materials and processes and the growth of powerful methods of analysis have contributed to this growth, and led to the need for a journal which concentrates specifically on structures in which problems arise due to the thinness of the walls. This field includes cold– formed sections, plate and shell structures, reinforced plastics structures and aluminium structures, and is of importance in many branches of engineering. The primary criterion for consideration of papers in Thin–Walled Structures is that they must be concerned with thin–walled structures or the basic problems inherent in thin–walled structures. Provided this criterion is satisfied no restriction is placed on the type of construction, material or field of application. Papers on theory, experiment, design, etc., are published and it is expected that many papers will contain aspects of all three.