Topology optimization for effective energy propagation in rate-independent elastoplastic material systems

•We present a topology optimization framework for effective energy management in structures with elastoplastic material behavior.•Rate independent elastoplastic behavior is assumed and the constitutive equations are integrated using an implicit scheme.•Example designs for effective energy management in both 2D and 3D structures are presented.

A topology optimization framework for effective energy management in dynamically loaded structures with rate-independent elastoplastic material behavior is presented. The elastoplastic constitutive equations are integrated using an implicit numerical scheme based on a multi-level Newton procedure. This primal analysis procedure requires the computation of the incremental algorithmic consistent tangent operator derived from the mappings that enforce the evolving constitutive relations. For our gradient based optimization, we develop discrete adjoint sensitivity expressions. Finite element implementation is discussed and the optimization framework is exemplified via the design of three-dimensional structures subjected to dynamic loads.