Metamorphic development: a new topology optimization method for continuum structures

An effective optimization procedure for finding structural shapes and topol ogies that minimize struct ural compliance and weight subject to stress and deflection constraints is presented. This new approach, called "Metamorphi c Development" (MD), can allow a structure to grow and degenerate towards a n optimum topological layout. In this method, the optimization can start fi om the simplest possible geometry (layout) or any degree of development of the structure rather than from a complex ground mesh. The structure is the n developed metamorphically using rectangular and triangular elements that can be of ally specified sizes. Examples demonstrate the potential of the M D optimization procedure to generate innovative solutions to structural des ign problems. Results are given and the growth and degeneration histories d uring optimization are illustrated.