Reducing SCF in a plate by using topology optimization and PSO algorithm for actuators placement

The main purpose of this article is to reduce the stress concentration factor (SCF) in a plate with central hole. For this purpose, two factors stress concentration and stiffness that can strongly affect the stress concentration is investigated. A three-phase procedure is recommended that contain structural optimization methods and piezoelectric actuators. Structural optimization phases are consisting of topology optimization and shape optimization methods that have been formulated to increase stiffness and reduce stress in the plate subjected to tension. In the last phase of the procedure, to ensure that actuators perform the best controllable stress reduction, a python code is created based on particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) and is exerted to find that best location of actuators in 12 steps. So a thin rectangular plate under tension with central hole is considered as a simple of a structure with discontinuity and the procedure is performed on it in three different cases. In each case, a pattern for best locations of actuators is obtained and discussed in detail. Final results show acceptable decrease in stress concentration factor while stiffness factor is increased in plate, simultaneously. Furthermore, additional advantages like reduction in weight and volume of plate is observed. Also for validating the procedure, results are compared with those reported in previous paper.