Determination of an optimal topology with a predefined number of cavities

In the field of topology optimization, increasing interest has been applied toward improving the practical applicability of the methods. Mechanically, a cavity in a structure introduces stress concentrations and, hence, structurally undesirable effects on the design. However, designs such as aircraft fuselages and wing ribs often require a specified number of cavities for their functional capabilities. Cavities also have the favorable consequence of reducing the weight. In this study, intelligent cavity creation is discussed as a means of determining an optimal topology with a desired number of cavities, based on evolutionary structural optimization. After the effect is shown on the total number of cavities when a new cavity is introduced during an optimization process, a parameter Gamma is introduced that delays cavity creation. An investigation is carried out to observe the effects of various parameters such as Gamma and mesh density on the final number of cavities.