Mechanical computer-aided 2-D optimal shape synthesis

D. M. Russell, S. P. Manoochehri

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents a computer-based methodology for generating two-dimensional optimal shapes. The objective is to form mechanical/structural parts, under general loading conditions and restraints, of minimum weight with the stresses throughout the parts as close to the allowable limits as possible. This study uses a thresholding approach that requires minimal human intervention to generate optimal configurations. The process starts by creating an initial design which encompasses all the specified loads and restraints. Using finite element techniques, the complete part is discretized. Then a set of procedures is used to iteratively modify the shape by removing elements from the finite element model. In this study a Bi-Directional Thresholding, BDT, is developed for the removal of elements. After the BDT is performed, connectivity of the remaining elements is checked and maintained. Then a smoothing algorithm is implemented to get rid of the irregularities in the model. Several examples are reported to illustrate the effectiveness of the BDT, connectivity check, and smoothing algorithms.

Original languageEnglish
Pages239-245
Number of pages7
StatePublished - 1989
EventProceedings of the 1989 ASME International Computers in Engineering Conference and Exposition - Anheim, CA, USA
Duration: 30 Jul 19893 Aug 1989

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 1989 ASME International Computers in Engineering Conference and Exposition
CityAnheim, CA, USA
Period30/07/893/08/89

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