Optimal structural topology of materials with micro-scale tension-compression asymmetry simulated using granular micromechanics

Material systems derived from particulate precursor exhibit significant micro-scale tension-compression asymmetry under loading which leads to macro-scale material anisotropy. Topology optimization of structures composed of such materials could suggest new unique topologies as well as material anisotropy distribution. This paper utilizes the granular micromechanics method that relates the micro-scale interactions to the macroscale for defining material constitutive relationship. The resultant constitutive relationship is implemented in the evolutionary structure optimization algorithm based upon finite element analysis. Benchmark problems are simulated to investigate the influences of degrees of asymmetry on structure topologies and to illustrate how material anisotropy evolves under given boundary conditions. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.