Benchmark of Topology Optimization Methods for Crashworthiness Design

Linear structural topology optimization has been widely studied and implemented into various engineering applications. Few studies are found in the literature which deals with nonlinear structures during vehicle impact events. One of the major challenges for nonlinear structural topology optimization is the unavailability of design sensitivities in impact simulations, due to the highly nonlinear and computationally intensive nature of these problems. In this paper, three commercially available methods are reviewed and discussed: Equivalent Static Loads (ESL), Hybrid Cellular Automata (HCA), and Inertia Relief Method (IRM). A vehicle structure, subjected to a full frontal impact, is used to compare the topology optimization results generated using HCA and IRM.