Application of Topology Optimization on a Stiffening Structure of a Tank for Water Storage Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

The purpose of the present work is to use topology optimization to propose a design for a stiffening structure of a tank for water storage. The structure under topology optimizations is a stiffening structure of a tank made of steel sheet and having the dimensions: 12m length, 2.5m width and 3m height. Some topology optimization on 3D and 2D models of the tank and its stiffening structure were performed for the purpose of qualitatively determining the mass distribution in transverse and longitudinal sections. The conclusions of these analyzes were used for size optimization calculations and for the establishment of a proposed structure consisting of plates for tank and beams for the stiffening and bearing structure. The allowable stress in the size optimization of the structure made of plates and beams was of 100MPa. In all these calculations no buckling was taken into account. These type of calculations can be used for determination of stiffening structure when casting concrete into a metallic coffer.