Topology optimization considering the Drucker–Prager criterion with a surrogate nonlinear elastic constitutive model

We address material nonlinear topology optimization problems considering the Drucker–Prager strength criterion by means of a surrogate nonlinear elastic model. The nonlinear material model is based on a generalized J₂ deformation theory of plasticity. From an algorithmic viewpoint, we consider the topology optimization problem subjected to prescribed energy, which leads to robust convergence in nonlinear problems. The objective function of the optimization problem consists of maximizing the strain energy of the system in equilibrium subjected to a volume constraint. The sensitivity analysis is quite effective and efficient in the sense that there is no extra adjoint equation. In addition, the nonlinear structural equilibrium problem is solved through direct minimization of the structural strain energy using Newton’s method with an inexact line search strategy. Four numerical examples demonstrate features of the proposed nonlinear topology optimization framework considering the Drucker–Prager strength criterion.