Configuration design of structures using discrete optimization approach

Patrick Y. Shim, Souran Manoochehri

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for the generation of fully stressed shape configuration design of structures. An important aspect of this approach is the ability to modify the topology as well as the boundary shape of the object represented by a finite element model. Therefore, features such as holes or slots can be added even though they have not been part of the initial model. This work is based on altering the finite element structure by removing or restoring elements to generate fully stressed designs subject to constraints on maximum stress value and maintenance of connectivity between the elements. The algorithm uses binary value integer programming for the discrete optimization process with the normalized elastic modulus of each design element selected as design variable. The optimization results consist of a zero or one integer solution which indicates the states of the elements in the model. The integer zero indicates that the modulus of the design element is zero and therefore the element is a candidate for deletion from the model. The integer one represents no change in modulus value compared to the original model and thus these design elements stay in the model. The developed approach can modify the inner and the outer shape of the structure without the need for a remeshing after each iteration and this reduces the computational time significantly. Design examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed optimal design methodology and to illustrate the steps involved in this process.

Original languageEnglish
Pages61-68
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 1994
EventProceedings of the 1994 ASME Design Technical Conferences. Part 1 (of 2) - Minneapolis, MN, USA
Duration: Sep 11 1994Sep 14 1994

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 1994 ASME Design Technical Conferences. Part 1 (of 2)
CityMinneapolis, MN, USA
Period9/11/949/14/94

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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