Structural topology optimization for crashworthiness

This paper presents a method to obtain optimum topologies of structures subject to impact loads that produce geometric and material nonlinear behavior, surface contact, friction, and other phenomena in shell and three-dimensional structures. The main feature of this method is an algorithm that does not use sensitivity (gradient) information and does not require large number of iterations. A criterion called prescribed plastic strain/stress is used to circumvent the lack of sensitivity information. Additionally, a controlled crash behavior (CCB) feature is included in the simulation phase allowing design engineers to prescribe an improved structural behavior. An application of this method in a vehicle front rail is presented.