Non-probabilistic Reliability-based Topology Optimization (NRBTO) Scheme for Continuum Structures Based on the parameterized Level-Set method and Interval Mathematics

In this paper, a study on non-probabilistic reliability-based topology optimization (NRBTO) scheme for continuum structures based on the parameterized Level-Set method (PLSM) is conducted, in which the unknown-but-bounded (UBB) uncertainties of material and external loads are taken into account simultaneously. By interpolating the level set function (LSF) with the compactly supported radial basis functions (CSRBFs), the partial differential equation (PDE) is transformed into an ordinary differential equation (ODE). Based on the interval-set model, the displacement constraint is transformed into the non-probabilistic reliability-based scheme and the reliability is evaluated by the optimization feature distance (OFD). Moreover, the interval parametric vertex approach, the concept of shape derivative and the adjoint vector method are employed to obtain the sensitivity between the optimization model and the pseudo time to obtain the evolution velocity field of LSF. By utilizing the optimization criterion (OC) method, the optimization problem can be solved iteratively. To verify the validity and applicability of the proposed NRBTO method, three examples are presented, and numerical results show that taking the UBB uncertainties effects into account during the topology optimization may have a significant influence on the final structural configurations.