Topology design of thermomechanical actuators combined with heat source optimization

Abstract

In the paper a problem of optimal topology and shape design of thermo-mechanical actuators with the heat source support is considered. The objective is to maximize the output displacement in a prescribed direction on the actuator boundary interacting with an external elastic support exerting localized reaction force. The thermal excitation results from the heat sources applied within the body domain and the thermal boundary conditions. This action induces the volumetric thermal strain eld and the residual stress eld within the actuator domain. The problem is modeled by a semi-coupled system of differential equations, where the mechanical eld is governed by the Navier equation of the plane stress elasticity, coupled with the steady state heat conduction problem governed by the Poisson equation. Several solved specific cases illustrate the design evolution depending on the ratio of support and averaged actuator stiffness.