Constrained adaptive topology optimization for vibrating shell structures

This paper describes an algorithm for structural topology optimization enti tled Constrained Adaptive Topology Optimization or CATO which is applied he re to produce the optimum design of shell structures under free vibration c onditions. The algorithm, based on an artificial material model and an upda ting scheme, combines ideas from the more mathematically rigorous homogeniz ation (h) methods and the more intuitive evolutionary (e) methods. Thus, CA TO can be seen as a hybrid h/e method. The optimization problem is defined as maximizing or minimizing a chosen frequency with a constraint on the str uctural volume/mass by redistributing the material through the structure. T he efficiency of the proposed algorithm is illustrated through several nume rical examples.