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Structural optimization of multibody system components described using level set techniques

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

The first author wishes to acknowledge the LIGHTCAR Project sponsored by the pole of competitiveness “Mecatech” and the Walloon Region of Belgium for their supports (Contract RW-6500).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Liege (ULg), Liege, Belgium

    Emmanuel Tromme, Olivier Brüls & Pierre Duysinx

  2. Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA

    Daniel Tortorelli

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  1. Emmanuel Tromme
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  2. Daniel Tortorelli
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  3. Olivier Brüls
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  4. Pierre Duysinx
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Correspondence to Emmanuel Tromme.

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Tromme, E., Tortorelli, D., Brüls, O. et al. Structural optimization of multibody system components described using level set techniques. Struct Multidisc Optim 52, 959–971 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-015-1280-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-015-1280-6

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