Structural optimization of multibody system components described using level set techniques

• Published in: Structural and multidisciplinary optimization Vol. 52; no. 5; pp. 959 - 971
• Main Authors: Tromme, Emmanuel, Tortorelli, Daniel, Brüls, Olivier, Duysinx, Pierre
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.11.2015; Springer Nature B.V; Springer
• Subjects: Computational Mathematics and Numerical Analysis; Computer simulation; Cost analysis; Design optimization; Dynamic response optimization; Engineering; Engineering Design; Engineering, computing & technology; Flexible multibody systems; Generalized shape optimization; Ingénierie mécanique; Ingénierie, informatique & technologie; Level set description; Mechanical engineering; Multibody systems; Optimization; Research Paper; Sensitivity analysis; Shape optimization; Slider-crank mechanisms; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Flexible multibody systems; Sensitivity analysis; Level set description; Dynamic response optimization; Generalized shape optimization
• ISSN: 1615-147X; 1615-1488; 1615-1488
• DOI: 10.1007/s00158-015-1280-6

The structural optimization of the components in multibody systems is performed using a fully coupled optimization method. The design’s predicted response is obtained from a flexible multibody system simulation under various service conditions. In this way, the resulting optimization process enhances most existing studies which are limited to weakly coupled (quasi-) static or frequency domain loading conditions. A level set description of the component geometry is used to formulate a generalized shape optimization problem which is solved via efficient gradient-based optimization methods. Gradients of cost and constraint functions are obtained from a sensitivity analysis which is revisited in order to facilitate its implementation and retain its computational efficiency. The optimizations of a slider-crank mechanism and a 2-dof robot are provided to exemplify the procedure.