An Improved Evolutionary Structure Optimization Method for Smooth Topology Design of Structures

To meet the needs of industrial production, an improved evolution structural optimization (ESO) method with high efficiency is proposed. The optimized design variables with intermediate density were designed using the windowed evolution structural optimization (WESO) method to increase the stability of the algorithm. The efficient calculation method of the element node sensitivity was established, which realizes the establishment of level set functions, smooth topological design of structures and the updating of design variables. The stability of the proposed algorithm was verified by the Zhou–Rozvany problem, two- and three-dimensional (3D) numerical results. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm was further verified by numerical comparison with other topology optimization frameworks. Lastly, the improved windowed ESO method was applied to the initial configuration design of the double-deck bridge structure, which not only provides guidance for its initial design but also demonstrates the applicability of the method in complex structural systems.