On topology optimization of design?dependent pressure?loaded three?dimensional structures and compliant mechanisms

This article presents a density-based topology optimization method for designing three-dimensional (3D) compliant mechanisms (CMs) and loadbearing structures with design-dependent pressure loading. Instead of interface-tracking techniques, the Darcy law in conjunction drainage term is employed to obtain field as function design vector. To ensure continuous transition loads evolves, flow coefficient finite element (FE) defined using smooth Heaviside function. The obtained converted into consistent nodal transformation matrix. presented approach employs standard FE formulation also, allows computationally inexpensive calculation load sensitivities adjoint-variable method. For CM designs, multicriteria objective minimized, whereas minimization compliance performed structures. Efficacy robustness demonstrated by various pressure-actuated 3D CMs