Weight‐Reduction of Sandwich Structures by an Efficient Topology Optimization Technique

Fachbereich fur ¤Mechanik, Technische Universitat DarmstadtA heuristic algorithm for the weight minimization of sandwich structures by a specic kind of topology optimization ispresented. The method employs a preexisting algorithm for the layerwise topology optimization of symmetric laminatesunder in-plane loads and expands this method for the case of bending. During the optimization procedure the algorithm addsor subtracts material from the layers of the face sheets and the core of the sandwich plate in regions of high or low stressesrespectively.