Topology optimization of truss structures with systematic reliability constraints under multiple loading cases

In this paper, a mathematical model for topology optimization of truss structures with constraints of displacement and system reliability under multiple loading cases is constructed. In order to avoid the difficulty of computing the structure's system reliability, a solving approach is presented in which the failure probability of system is divided into the sum of all bars' failure probability by means of reliability distribution. In addition, by drawing into the reliability safety factor and the fundamental relationship in structural mechanics, all probability constraints of displacement and stress are equivalently displayed as conventional form and linear function of the design variables. The optimization problem with multiple constraints is treated by the compact constraint tactics and is solved by the improved simplex method. The examples show that the approach proposed in this paper is feasible and efficient.