Weighted topology optimization of back-up supporting structures of antennas

Abstract

In a working environment, the supporting structure usually suffers from asymmetric exterior loads with some finite elevation angles, leading to an asymmetric and irregular structure when applying traditional topology methods. To solve this problem, in this article, a weighted topology optimization method based on a shape feature function is presented, with an innovative concept of shape feature control function, which is employed to reshape the stiffness distribution and make the optimized structure symmetric for the manufacturing process. Topology optimization is also performed under fixed connection constraints. By introducing both the shape control and electromagnetic characteristics functions into the topological design domain, a relatively symmetric and regular topology structure is obtained through the weighted topology optimization method under the asymmetric exterior loads, which benefits the following detailed design and manufacturing process for reflector antennas. Numerical simulation demonstrates the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.

KEYWORDS:

• Topology optimization
• back-up supporting structure
• structural features
• manufacturing features
• shape control

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Shuxin Zhang, upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the New Star of Youth Science and Technology Project of Shaanxi Province Innovation Capacity Support Plan [number 2023KJXX-016] and Shaanxi Innovation Team Project [number 2018TD-012].