Topology Optimization Based on Graph Theory of Crash Loaded Flight Passenger Seats

Today, real-world crashworthiness optimization applications are limited to sizing and shape optimization. Topology optimization in crashworthiness design has been withstanding until today any attempt of finding efficient solution algorithms. This is basically due to the high computational effort and the inherent sensitivity of crash simulation responses to design scatterings. In this work, the topology optimization problem shall be addressed with a new approach, in such a way as mathematical graphs are used to describe the optimization sequence (including geometry, loads, design variables and responses, etc.). This design conception is a good advance in topological model flexibility and allows for the application of new (e.g. rule-based) topology optimization algorithms. In this contribution, the topology optimization of crash loaded flight passenger seats is presented. Therefore, we focus on the necessary workflow which includes the graph-based description of the structure ́s topology, the CAD description of the structure and the formulation of the crash problem in LS-DYNA. This workflow is included in an optimization loop.