Topology optimization of an elliptical parabolic shell structure: effect of penalty factor and load type

The topology optimization is affected by various parameters that have a direct impact on the optimization process and the final design result. The consideration of these parameters is essential to achieve optimum and practical designs. One of the most important parameters that can have a considerable effect on the topology optimization process is the penalty factor. The choice of the penalty factor is important to obtain an efficient optimal design. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the penalty factor on the topology optimization of an elliptical parabolic shell structure under its own weight and two different types of loads using ANSYS software. The objective function is the volume minimization under displacement constraint using the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalisation (SIMP) method. The obtained results show, that the penalty factor, can affect the final volume and the optimal topology. Moreover, the higher penalty factor can eliminate the marginal zone, with minimum intermediate densities, when the shell is subjected to a concentrated load only.