Topology and Dimensional Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms Using Discrete Optimization

2005 ◽  
Vol 128 (5) ◽  
pp. 1080-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerr-Jia Lu ◽  
Sridhar Kota
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Optimization ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Discrete Optimization Problem ◽  
Dimensional Synthesis ◽  
Load Path ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Gray Areas ◽  
Path Synthesis ◽  
Synthesis Approach

A unified approach to topology and dimensional synthesis of compliant mechanisms is presented in this paper as a discrete optimization problem employing both discrete (topology) and continuous (size) variables. The synthesis scheme features a design parameterization method that treats load paths as discrete design variables to represent various topologies, thereby ensuring structural connectivity among the input, output, and ground supports. The load path synthesis approach overcomes certain design issues, such as “gray areas” and disconnected structures, inherent in previous design schemes. Additionally, multiple gradations of structural resolution and a variety of configurations can be generated without increasing the number of design variables. By treating topology synthesis as a discrete optimization problem, the synthesis approach is incorporated in a genetic algorithm to search for feasible topologies for single-input single-output compliant mechanisms. Two design examples, commonly seen in the compliant mechanisms literature, are included to illustrate the synthesis procedure and to benchmark the performance. The results show that the load path synthesis approach can effectively generate well-connected compliant mechanism designs that are free of gray areas.

Parameterization Strategy for Optimization of Shape Morphing Compliant Mechanisms Using Load Path Representation

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerr-Jia Lu ◽  
Sridhar Kota
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Structural Deformation ◽  
Load Path ◽  
Aircraft Wings ◽  
Shape Morphing ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Path Representation ◽  
Flexible Antenna ◽  
Synthesis Approach

The distributed compliance and smooth deformation field of compliant mechanisms provide a viable means to achieve shape morphing in many systems, such as flexible antenna reflectors and morphing aircraft wings. We previously developed a systematic synthesis approach to design shape morphing compliant mechanisms using Genetic Algorithm (GA). However, the design variable definition, in fact, allows the generation of invalid designs (disconnected structures) within the GA. In this research, we developed a load path representation to include the structure connectivity information into the design variables, thus improving the GA efficiency. The number of design variables is also independent of the number of elements in the finite element model that is used to solve for the structural deformation. The shape morphing synthesis approach, incorporating this path representation, is demonstrated through two examples, followed by discussions on further refinements.

Toward a Unified Design Approach for Both Compliant Mechanisms and Rigid-Body Mechanisms: Module Optimization

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Cao ◽  
Allan T. Dolovich ◽  
Arend L. Schwab ◽  
Just L. Herder ◽  
Wenjun (Chris) Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Structure Model ◽  
Dimensional Synthesis ◽  
Beam Elements ◽  
Compliant Joints ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Rigid Joints ◽  
Synthesis Approach

Rigid-body mechanisms (RBMs) and compliant mechanisms (CMs) are traditionally treated in significantly different ways. In this paper, we present a synthesis approach that is appropriate for both RBMs and CMs. In this approach, RBMs and CMs are generalized into modularized mechanisms that consist of five basic modules, including compliant links (CLs), rigid links (RLs), pin joints (PJs), compliant joints (CJs), and rigid joints (RJs). The link modules and joint modules are modeled through beam elements and hinge elements, respectively, in a geometrically nonlinear finite-element solver, and subsequently a beam-hinge ground structure model is proposed. Based on this new model, a link and joint determination approach—module optimization—is developed for the type and dimensional synthesis of both RBMs and CMs. In the module optimization approach, the states (both presence or absence and sizes) of joints and links are all design variables, and one may obtain an RBM, a partially CM, or a fully CM for a given mechanical task. Three design examples of path generators are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach to the type and dimensional synthesis of RBMs and CMs.

scholarly journals Optimization Of Double-Layer Braced Barrel Vaults

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maksym Grzywiński
Keyword(s):  
Double Layer ◽  
Discrete Optimization ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Limit State ◽  
Discrete Optimization Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Optimization Constraints ◽  
Space Design ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Structural Space

Abstract The paper deals with discussion of discrete optimization problem in civil engineering structural space design. Minimization of mass should satisfy the limit state capacity and serviceability conditions. The cross-sectional areas of truss bars are taken as design variables. Optimization constraints concern stresses, displacements and stability, as well as technological and computational requirements.

Optimal Viscous Damper Placement Using Level Set Topology Optimization Method

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masoud Ansari ◽  
Amir Khajepour ◽  
Ebrahim Esmailzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Level Set ◽  
Discrete Optimization ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Minimum Energy ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Discrete Optimization Problem ◽  
Placement Problem ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Optimal Damping

Vibration control has always been of great interest for many researchers in different fields, especially mechanical and civil engineering. One of the key elements in control of vibration is damper. One way of optimally suppressing unwanted vibrations is to find the best locations of the dampers in the structure, such that the highest dampening effect is achieved. This paper proposes a new approach that turns the conventional discrete optimization problem of optimal damper placement to a continuous topology optimization. In fact, instead of considering a few dampers and run the discrete optimization problem to find their best locations, the whole structure is considered to be connected to infinite numbers of dampers and level set topology optimization will be performed to determine the optimal damping set, while certain number of dampers are used, and the minimum energy for the system is achieved. This method has a few major advantages over the conventional methods, and can handle damper placement problem for complicated structures (systems) more accurately. The results, obtained in this research are very promising and show the capability of this method in finding the best damper location is structures.

scholarly journals Are Stable Instances Easy?

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 643-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
YONATAN BILU ◽  
NATHAN LINIAL
Keyword(s):  
Polynomial Time ◽  
Discrete Optimization ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Discrete Optimization Problem ◽  
Hard Problem ◽  
Np Hard ◽  
Max Cut Problem ◽  
Np Hard Problem ◽  
Hard Problems ◽  
Np Hard Problems

We introduce the notion of a stable instance for a discrete optimization problem, and argue that in many practical situations only sufficiently stable instances are of interest. The question then arises whether stable instances of NP-hard problems are easier to solve, and in particular, whether there exist algorithms that solve in polynomial time all sufficiently stable instances of some NP-hard problem. The paper focuses on the Max-Cut problem, for which we show that this is indeed the case.

Runner Optimization for In-Mold Assembly of Multi-Material Compliant Mechanisms

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojciech Bejgerowski ◽  
Satyandra K. Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Polymer Melt ◽  
Injection Molding Process ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Assembly Process ◽  
Molding Process ◽  
Design Variables

The runner system in injection molding process is used to supply the polymer melt from injection nozzle to the gates of final part cavities. Realizing complex multi-material mechanisms by in-mold assembly process requires special runner layout design considerations due to the existence of the first stage components. This paper presents the development of an optimization approach for runner systems in the in-mold assembly of multi-material compliant mechanisms. First, the issues specific to the in-mold assembly process are identified and analyzed. Second, the general optimization problem is formulated by identification of all parameters, design variables, objective functions and constraints. Third, the implementation of the optimization problem in Matlab® environment is described based on a case study of a runner system for an in-mold assembly of a MAV drive mechanism. This multi-material compliant mechanism consists of seven rigid links interconnected by six compliant hinges. Finally, several optimization approaches are analyzed to study their performance in solving the formulated problem. The most appropriate optimization approach is selected. The case study showed the applicability of the developed optimization approach to runner systems for complex in-mold assembled multi-material mechanism designs.

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