Topology optimisation of an automotive component without final volume constraint specification

The paper shows the results obtained by using a topology optimisation code to solve a three-dimensional problem concerning a real automotive component. The implemented optimisation method is based on the maximisation of the total potential energy with a volume constraint by optimality criteria. The volume of the optimal solution depends on the imposed static (displacement, stress, stiffness) and dynamic (natural frequency) constraints and has not to be specified a priori. The optimisation process converges toward a quite well defined structure made of the base material with a very little percentage of elements characterised by intermediate material properties.