Numerical methods for the topology optimization of structures that exhibit snap-through

The inclusion of non-linear elastic analyses into the topology optimization problem is necessary to capture the nite deformation response, e.g. the geometric non-linear response of compliant mechanisms. In previous work, the non-linear response is computed by standard non-linear elastic nite element analysis. Here, we incorporate a load–displacement constraint method to traverse non-linear equilibrium paths with limit points to design structures that exhibit snap-through behaviour. To accomplish this, we modify the basic arc length algorithm and embed this analysis into the topology optimization problem