The Convergence and Algorithm Factors Analysis of Topology Optimization for Crashworthiness Based on Hybrid Cellular Automata

Structural design for crashworthiness is a challenging area of research due to large plastic deformations and complex interactions among diverse components of the vehicle. A notable idea in topology optimization is the hybrid cellular automaton (HCA) method capable of topology synthesis for crashworthiness design. The HCA algorithm was inspired by the structural adaptation of bones to their ever changing mechanical environment. This methodology has been shown to be an effective topology synthesis tool. The objective of this investigation is to examine the convergence and algorithm factors analysis of topology optimization for crashworthiness based on hybrid cellular automata paradigm. The orthogonal test is also proposed to study the effects of the algorithm factors on the dependent variables of the structure with new optimized topology. To demonstrate the convergence properties influenced by factors of the HCA algorithm in dynamic problems, the HCA framework is developed to a methodology for crashworthiness, which combines transient, non-linear finite-element analysis and local control rules acting on cells, and some simple cantilevered beam examples are utilized.