Development of numerical models applied to probabilistic topological optimization analyses using the Boundary Element Method

• Grant number: 12/24944-5
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): March 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal researcher: Edson Denner Leonel
• Grantee: Hugo Luiz Oliveira
• Home Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 15/07931-5 - Development of numerical models for probabilistic topology optimization analysis using the boundary element method, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

This research proposal aims the development of coupled models based on reliability and topological optimization algorithms and mechanical models constructed using the boundary element method (BEM). Traditionally, the design of structures is restricted to the study of the cost of manufacture, regardless its effective safety level. This method has demonstrated to be not accurate in several situations, because, in most of them, the growth of the failure rate may produce lost higher than the economies expected. A rational approach consists in calculate the cost of manufacture based on the probability of structural failure. In this regard, this research project aims the development of numerical models based on coupling mechanical and reliability models in order to perform structural analysis, where the failure scenarios be identified by BEM algebraic equations. The main result of these models is the probability of structural failure and the set of most probable values for the random variables considered. Structures composed by brittle and quasi brittle materials subjected to crack growth will be considered. On these numerical models, topological algorithms will be coupled, in order to determine the structural geometry which leads minimum consumption of material. In this last model, reliability algorithms will impose restrictions, based on safety, for topological optimization analysis. As a result, this model will determine the structural geometry which leads the minimum consumption of material taking into account the presence of initial cracks and a given safety level. Regarding this research project, the proponents aim at contributing with this important scientific domain, and the development of the numerical tools applicable in industry is one of the deals. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

OLIVEIRA, HUGO LUIZ; LEONEL, EDSON DENNER. Boundary element method applied to topology optimization using the level set method and an alternative velocity regularization. MECCANICA, v. 54, n. 3, p. 549-563, FEB 2019. Web of Science Citations: 1.

OLIVEIRA, HUGO LUIZ; CHATEAUNEUF, ALAA; LEONEL, EDSON DENNER. Probabilistic mechanical modelling of concrete creep based on the boundary element method. ADVANCES IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, v. 22, n. 2, p. 337-348, JAN 2019. Web of Science Citations: 1.

OLIVEIRA, HUGO LUIZ; CHATEAUNEUF, ALAA; LEONEL, EDSON DENNER. Boundary Element Method applied to decision-making problems involving geometric variabilities in topology optimization. Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements, v. 85, p. 116-126, DEC 2017. Web of Science Citations: 4.