Damage Tolerance in Topologically Optimized Structures: Exploring Structural Integrity Through Worst-Case Damage Optimization

This paper investigates the application of topology optimization techniques to enhance damage tolerance in structural systems. The focus is on worst-case damage distribution scenarios, aiming to minimize the vulnerability of structures to localized damage. The study proposes a methodology that combines topology optimization with worst-case scenario analysis to identify optimal structural configurations. Considering cantilever beam structures under three distinct boundary conditions, with varying damage sizes, the paper identifies worst-case damage scenarios in both fully and topologically optimized structures. The results demonstrate the algorithm’s efficacy in identifying these scenarios and its adaptability to different structural shapes, boundary conditions, and damage sizes. Comparative analyses between fully and topologically optimized structures yield specific insights into the structures’ performance, equipping structural engineers and researchers focused on topology optimization with valuable information to enhance structural robustness and resilience.