The topological optimization for truss structures with stress constraints based on the exist-null combined model

A new exist-null combined model is proposed for the structural topology optimization. The model is applied to the topology optimization of the truss with stress constraints. Satisfactory computational result can be obtained with more rapid and more stable convergence as compared with the cross-sectional optimization. This work also shows that the presence of independent and continuous topological variable motivates the research of structural topology optimization. The project supported by the State Key Laboratory for Structural Analysis of Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology.