Reliability-Based Topology Optimization of Reinforced Composite Shell

In this paper, a reliability-based topology optimization (RBTO) approach is introduced for a composite shell. The RBTO method is divided into deterministic topology optimization and uncertainty analysis by decoupled strategy. It employs the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) algorithm, based on a composite material interpolation model, for solving deterministic topology optimization. During uncertainty analysis, the performance measure approach (PMA) is used to convert probabilistic constraints into probabilistic performance measures, thereby avoiding multiple integral failure probability. Uncertainty propagation is then carried out using the response surface method (RSM) based on the Hermite orthogonal polynomials. With the derivatives of the performance function to random variables, the most probable point (MPP) search is conducted using the enhanced hybrid mean value (EHMV) method. The paper concludes with a demonstration of the validity of the RBTO methodology through its application to the reinforced composite shell.