Structural topology optimisation of long-span structures (Helping architects weigh their options)

在本研究项目中提出的方法的力量，可以行使执行一系列的研究，重点是大跨度的建筑物和结构，如屋顶的考古遗址，机场航站楼，音乐霍尔斯和公共汽车站。这样的结构形式带来了一个特殊的建模挑战：它们通常具有形状不寻常的大型开放空间和很少的内部柱，因此它们依赖于三角形空间桁架和框架的系统共同工作来支撑建筑物的负荷。在设计过程的早期使用计算机模拟-当建筑物的份额确定时-也会对隐含能源产生重大影响。仔细选择的几何形状和布局的结构可以减少内力和减少的能源密集型结构材料的数量所需的support.This研究将试图找到一个有效的计划，优化的形状和成员的刚度分布，以创建一个空间结构，然后创建一个更高的屈曲强度，然后创建一个只是形状优化和自由形式的过程。几何特性将针对目标进行优化，以使其在垂直均匀分布荷载或静态地震荷载下的线性屈曲荷载最大化。最佳网壳的屈曲性能也将通过弹性和弹塑性屈曲分析进行检查。将使用Altair的Hyperworks进行结构拓扑（材料）优化研究，并使用非线性有限元程序（ANSYS）进行静态/动态分析。无论是制造结构材料和组件所需的初始能源，以及未来的运营能源将被量化和比较，以设计节能建筑。

The power of the approach proposed in this research project can be exercised performing a series of studies focusing on long-span buildings and structures such as roofs for archaeological sites, airport terminals, concert halls, and bus stations. Such structural forms pose a special modelling challenge: they often have large open spaces with unusual shapes and few interior columns, so they rely on systems of triangular space trusses and frames working together to support the load of the building. The use of computer simulation early in the design process - when the share of the building in determined - can have a major impact on embodied energy as well. Careful choice of the geometry and layout of the structure can reduce internal forces and decrease the amount of energy-intensive structural materials required for support.This study will attempt to find an efficient scheme for the optimisation of both shape and member stiffness distributions in order to create a spatial structure with a higher buckling strength that then one created by just the shape optimisation and free-form finding processes. The geometric characteristics will be optimised for a target to maximise their linear buckling load for a vertical uniformly distributed load or a static seismic load. The buckling behaviour of the optimum reticulated shells will be also examined through elastic and elasto-plastic buckling analyses. Structural topology (material) optimisation studies will be performed using Altair's Hyperworks and static/dynamic analyses will be performed using the nonlinear Finite Element programme (ANSYS). Both the initial energy required for making structural materials and components as well as the future operational energy will be quantified and compared for the design of energy-efficient buildings.