Topology Optimization of Lightweight Simply Supported Beams under Nonlinear Impact Loading

This study addresses the topology optimization of lightweight simply supported beam structures subjected to nonlinear dynamic impact loading. A density-based Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) method was integrated with a finite element formulation in MATLAB to minimize compliance under a prescribed volume fraction constraint. The transient impact was modeled as a sudden excitation induced by a rigid mass with an initial velocity, capturing the nonlinear dynamic response. The optimization framework was applied to an Euler–Bernoulli beam configuration, where results highlighted the dominance of fundamental vibration modes. Numerical simulations demonstrated that optimized beam topologies achieved up to a 40% reduction in structural mass while maintaining adequate stiffness, acceptable stress levels, and energy absorption capacity. The findings confirm that SIMP-based topology optimization not only enhances the stiffness-to-mass ratio but also improves impact resistance, establishing a robust framework for designing lightweight and resilient structures. These outcomes highlight significant potential for applications in aerospace, automotive, and defense engineering, where weight efficiency and impact resistance are critical design requirements.