Fatigue-based topology optimization method and tool

A system for performing fatigue-based topology optimization of a structure, comprising:

• an input device;
• an output device;
• and
• a computational device having a microprocessor and a memory for storing an algorithm for performing fatigue based topology optimization, the algorithm configuring the computational device to:
• receive first data at an input device coupled to an input of the computational device the first data pertaining to a problem definition of the structure;
• generate a density filter;
• generate interpolation schemes for stiffness, volume and fatigue;
• generate a global fatigue measure;
• generate an adaptive normalization scheme;
• generate a regional fatigue measure;
• generate second data based on the first data, the density filter, the interpolation schemes, the global fatigue measure, the adaptive normalization scheme and the regional fatigue measure, the second data pertaining to an optimized solution to the problem definition;
• and
• display the optimized solution at an output device coupled to an output of the computational device.

A method of determining load paths for a structural component of a metal design that minimizes mass while meeting structural requirements comprising:

• receiving a finite element model comprising specified loadings constraints receiving boundary constraints;
• receiving element sets that define the design space constraints for the topology optimization and regions constraints upon which a durability requirement is to be imposed;
• receiving fatigue loading constraints;
• receiving material fatigue property constraints;
• receiving a definition of the optimization objective function and the constraints;
• iterating through topology optimization routines comprising
• determining the fatigue at every point of the structural component;
• employing correction to account for the effect of mean fatigue;
• rendering load paths that at least one of:
• have a smaller objective function than the previous iteration and satisfy the constraints or
• has a larger objective function but violates the constraints less than previous iterations.
• Stopping the method if
• the constraints are satisfied and the change between consecutive iterations is negligible or
• if a maximum number of iterations has been reached.