Manipulation of topologically optimized structures using graphic statics

Abstract A combined topology optimization-graphic static approach is presented in this paper for manipulation and generation of equilibrium lightweight structures. Topology optimization is an effective tool for designing lightweight structures and truss-based designs. Graphic statics is also a powerful platform for truss-based designs and, more importantly, manipulation of such designs to satisfy pre-defined structural/load constraints. This work proposes coupling topology optimization and graphic statics in a sequential framework to take advantage of both methods in generating truss-based designs and offering a way to manipulate such structures without breaking the global equilibrium state and reducing truss forces. After post-processing and structural manipulation, results have shown structures with a uniform load distribution on all members. Optimized structures show an allowable load distribution manipulation and a significant reduction in member loads through form/force algorithms, presenting results with up to 4 and 100 times reduced maximum loads under the same state of global equilibrium. The work is essential in producing structures that avoid critical loads while having arbitrary load/boundary conditions that cannot be solved using existing methods.