Abstract: The guide weight (GW) method is applied to solve the topology optimization problems subjected to inertial loads and with the constraint of the moment of inertia. The GW algorithm is improved and the iterative formulas for topology optimization problems with the object of minimum compliance and the constraint of the moment of inertia under fixed external loads are derived. Considering the density-dependent characteristic of inertial loads, the iterative formulas for single load of self-weight and the iterative formulas for multiple loads of self-weight and centrifugal forces are obtained respectively, then the feasibility and effectiveness of these algorithms are validated by calculating corresponding numerical examples. The above iterative formulas are applied into the topology optimization of the arm of flight simulator. After comparing with the results calculated by SLP or MMA utilized by Optistruct, it’s not hard to see that GW is more advantageous than the above-mentioned algorithms in terms of both optimized compliance and the value of inertia of moment. Moreover, there aren’t obvious differences between GW and these conventional methods at the aspects of convergence efficiency. The guide weight algorithm provides a new effective method for solving the topology optimization problems subjected to inertial loads with the constraint of the moment of inertia.

Key words: topology optimization;inertial loads;the moment of inertia;the guide-weight method;flight simulator