Articles techniques et présentations

In structural optimization, the norm has long been to use maximum stress or compliance as objectives to be minimized. However, probabilistic quantities, such as the probability of failure, offer a fresh and powerful alternative. These quantities are inherently dimensionless, confined to the range [0,1], and crucially, they provide a comprehensive assessment of the design quality by considering the stress distribution across the entire structure. This poster explores the use of the Weibull integral to calculate the probability of failure for brittle materials, such as ceramics or cast iron, as well as for fatigue failure in cyclically loaded objects. In addressing the fundamental question, "How can I minimize the probability that my construction will fail?", we demonstrate how these probabilistic objective functionals can be effectively integrated into various COMSOL optimization methods, including topology optimization and shape optimization. This approach not only enhances the reliability and safety of structural designs but also enables the creation of more efficient and resilient structures tailored to specific load scenarios.