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Graph and heuristic based topology optimization of crash loaded structures

Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization volume 47, pages 839–854 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

For the efficient development of new structural concepts, it is necessary to perform an optimization of the mechanical properties of profile cross-sections taking into account all relevant load cases. Especially for crash load cases, there currently exists no established method for the conceptual design and topology optimization. The main problems are the complicated deformation conditions in the crash, the huge number of design variables, the existence of simulative and physical bifurcation points and the costly determination of sensitivity information. For the application area of developing profile cross-sections, the method presented in this paper attempts to overcome these shortfalls. It has been developed for the combined topology, shape and sizing optimization taking into account all relevant crash load cases. For this a flexible description of the structure’s profile cross-section via mathematical graphs is used. Modifications of the structure’s topology are performed with heuristics (rules), which are based on expert knowledge, whereas the automatically generated shape und sizing parameters of the structure are optimized with mathematic optimization algorithms.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research within the scope of the research project “Methodological and technical realization of the topology optimization of crash loaded vehicle structures”. Beside the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, the Automotive Simulation Center Stuttgart (asc(s), the DYNAmore GmbH and the SFE GmbH are involved in the project. Among others, the associated project partners are: Adam Opel AG, Daimler AG, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG and Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH.

In the application examples the following commercial software solutions have been used: LS-OPT® as the general purpose optimization software, LS-DYNA® as the finite element solver and Altair HyperMesh® (application examples 1a, 1b and 2b) or SFE CONCEPT® (application example 2a) as the CAE system. The software yWorks yEd Graph Editor® has been used to get a graphical representation of the mathematical graphs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Berliner Tor 9, 20099, Hamburg, Germany

    Christopher Ortmann

  2. Mechanical Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstraße 20, 42119, Wuppertal, Germany

    Axel Schumacher

Authors
  1. Christopher Ortmann
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  2. Axel Schumacher
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Correspondence to Christopher Ortmann.

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Ortmann, C., Schumacher, A. Graph and heuristic based topology optimization of crash loaded structures. Struct Multidisc Optim 47, 839–854 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-012-0872-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-012-0872-7

Keywords

  • Topology optimization
  • Crashworthiness
  • Heuristics
  • Expert knowledge
  • Conceptual design