Frame Structure Topology Optimization for Anti-Seismic Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current topology optimization methods for frame structures fail to adequately address anti-seismic performance requirements, particularly under complex seismic loadings, and do not effectively incorporate distributed mass inertia forces, leading to insufficient structural safety and reliability.

Innovation Solution

An integrated topology and size optimization method is developed, which discretizes the design domain into hexahedral finite element meshes, performs modal analysis, and uses pseudo-modal recognition and equivalent modal forces to minimize modal flexibility while adhering to volume constraints, optimizing both beam layout and size to enhance anti-seismic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If topology optimization is performed with static performance requirements, then design innovation is achieved, but dynamic requirements and anti-seismic performance are ignored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetopology designVSAvoidanti-seismic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static topology optimization to dynamic topology optimization by incorporating seismic load simulations and modal analysis. The optimization process now considers dynamic response characteristics including natural frequencies, mode shapes, and seismic spectral responses, ensuring the structure maintains both innovative topology and anti-seismic reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the performance parameters from static displacement constraints to dynamic parameters including spectral acceleration responses, modal frequencies, and seismic demand parameters. This allows the optimization to simultaneously achieve topology innovation and anti-seismic performance by evaluating structural response under various seismic intensity levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If non-stationary random excitation method is used to simulate dynamic seismic loads, then dynamic performance is captured, but the method is limited to simple plane structures and member sizes are not included

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic performanceVSAvoidoptimization model
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optimization process into distinct phases: topology optimization phase using non-stationary random excitation for dynamic performance capture, and subsequent size optimization phase for member dimensioning. This segmentation allows the complex problem to be solved in manageable steps while maintaining both dynamic performance and structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the optimization from two-dimensional plane structures to three-dimensional spatial frame structures. The non-stationary random excitation method is adapted to handle 3D structural systems with multiple degrees of freedom, enabling comprehensive anti-seismic optimization of complex spatial frameworks rather than simple planar structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Weight of stationary object

If structural weight is reduced for lightweight design, then material efficiency improves, but distributed mass inertia forces are neglected leading to inaccurate anti-seismic performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural weightVSAvoidanti-seismic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback loops where the optimized topology and size are used to recalculate mass distribution and inertia forces, which then feed back into the seismic response analysis. This iterative process ensures that as the structure becomes lighter, the reduced mass inertia forces are accurately captured, and the anti-seismic performance is re-evaluated and optimized accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary topology optimization to establish the structural layout before conducting detailed size optimization. This preliminary action identifies the optimal member distribution and connectivity, which then guides the subsequent size optimization while accounting for the distributed mass effects on seismic response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If modal flexibility minimization is used as objective function, then anti-seismic performance is improved, but optimization computational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-seismic performanceVSAvoidoptimization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial optimization by focusing computational effort on the most critical modes and structural members that dominate the seismic response. Rather than optimizing all possible design variables equally, the method identifies and optimizes only those parameters that have the greatest impact on modal flexibility and anti-seismic performance, reducing computational time while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4435658A1An integrate topology and size optimization method for frame structure considering Anti-seismic performance requirements
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 CHINA CONSTR FIFTH ENG DIV CORP LTD
  • EP4435658A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4435658A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4435658A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present application discloses an integrate topology and size optimization method for a frame structure considering anti-seismic performance requirements, belonging to a technical field of a topology optimization for structure. The method constructs a topology optimization model of the frame structure with modal flexibility minimization as an objective function and meeting of volume constraint by considering the influences of structural branch mass and distributed inertial force,, and provides an integrate topology and size optimization method for frame structure considering anti-seismic performance requirements by combining a variant volume constraint solution and a moving asymptote optimization algorithm. The method can solve the problem of topology optimization issue of the frame structure under a basic seismic load and obtain a lightweight innovative design of the frame structure meeting anti-seismic performance requirement.