Symmetry of solu- tions in discrete and continuous structural topology optimization

In this paper a study is made of symmetry and asymmetry in structural topology optimization with discrete variables. A group theory approach is used to formally de ne the symmetry of the structural problems. This approach allows us to describe the set of symmetric structures and relate it to the entire search space. It is shown that, given a symmetric problem with continuous variables, an optimal symmetric solution (if any) exists. However, it is shown that this does not hold for the discrete case. Finally a number of examples are investigated to demonstrate the ndings of the research.

Jaar van publicatie:2012

Trefwoorden:symmetry, topology optimization, structural Optimization