矩形板边界支撑优化设计

采用瑞利-里兹法分析、计算矩形板附加弹性铰(简)支撑的最小刚度和最优支撑位置,使板的第一阶固有频率达到原结构的第二阶频率。矩形板仅有一边固定(固支或简支),其他边自由,弹性支撑位于固定边相对的自由边界上。由振动系统能量泛函取极小值原理,构建特征频率方程,利用拉格朗日乘子施加最优支撑位置应满足的设计条件。算例结果表明,该文提出的方法是可靠的,能得到满意的结果。     

基于辐射声功率最小的平板结构修正及优化

研究运用加筋使振动平板结构辐射声功率达到最小化优化设计方法。使用瑞利-里兹方法求解结构表面振速进而求解结构辐射声功率,通过遗传算法求得筋的最优布放位置,寻找加筋布放规律并对加筋后新生成共振峰进行修正。     

基于风振性能的高层建筑抗风设计优化

提出了一个基于风振性能的结构优化设计方法来解决高层建筑在各种风灾条件下的风致性能设计问题。借签抗震性能设计方法,划分了高层建筑的三水准抗风设防标准。各水准下的风灾烈度及其概率要素可以通过对气象部门的极端风速记录开展统计极值分析来进行。基于高层建筑风致动力响应的频域内风振模态分析,给出了各种风致加速度指标的实用表达式。通过数学建模对风致性能的结构优化设计问题作出了精确描述,用结构构件尺寸等设计变量显式的表达出各种风振性能设计指标。发展了基于优化准则法的数值算法来求解高层建筑在多种风致性能设计约束条件下的结构最优设计。最后,通过一个40层住宅楼的工程实例验证了文中提出的多级抗风性能自动化结构设计方法的有效性和实用性。     

OPTIMUM DESIGN OF LAMINATED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES VIA AMULTILEVEL SUBSTRUCTURING APPROACH

This paper presents a multilevel substructuring and optimization approach to the minimum weight design of laminated composite structures. The optimization process is carried out in a double scheme which consists of optimizations at system and subsystem levels. At the system level of optimization, an optimality criterion method is used to design component thicknesses which minimize structural weight subject to structural behavioral constraints as well as side constraints. At the subsystem level, the structure being divided into several substructures, fiber directions and layer thicknesses of each substructure are determined to minimize its weight subject to component behavioral constraints as well as side constraints. The objective at the subsystem level is accomplished by carrying out the minimization process again in a double scheme where the quasi-Newton method is used at the first sub-level of optimization for the optimal design of fiber directions and an optimality criterion method at the second sub-level for layer thickness design. The optimal solution is obtained by iterating between the different levels of optimization. Appropriate connectivity conditions for linking different levels of optimization are introduced to ensure convergence of solution. The feasibility and application of the present approach is illustrated by an example of the optimal design of a single-cell, three bay, cantilevered boxbeam.     

Free vibration of generally-laminated, shear-deformable, composite rectangular plates using a spline Rayleigh-Ritz method

A Rayleigh-Ritz method is presented for predicting the natural frequencies of flat rectangular laminates which can have arbitrary lay-up. The effects of through-thickness shear deformation are included in the analysis. The displacement field utilises B-spline functions in what has been referred to in earlier work as a B_{k, k−1}-spline Rayleigh-Ritz method and the approach is versatile in the specification of boundary conditions. The results of a number of applications are presented in the form of studies showing the convergence of frequency values with increase in the number of spline sections used. The analysis procedure is seen to have good convergence characteristics when dealing with laminates of thin and thick geometry.     

Reliability-based code calibration applied to thin elements made of UHPFRC

A semi-probabilistic approach used in current design codes requires calibrated partial factors to secure safety of structures and people. The current code calibration procedure has an inefficient and imprecise iterative loop and it also neglects economical aspects which should be an integral part of any code calibration. This paper suggests a modified approach to the reliability-based code calibration which eliminates disadvantages of the original procedure and it is defined in a way to take advantage of the current computation means such as parallel and cloud computing. The modified approach was used to calibrate the partial factors for the structural verification of UHPFRC thin elements predominantly loaded in bending. The described example proves efficiency of the modified approach and it illustrates the advantages of the reliability-based code calibration. Indeed, the design method of UHPFRC with the calibrated partial factors allows better exploitation of the material without compromising the safety requirements. Because of the straightforward procedure, independent reliability and design computations, and selection of the ideal partial factors at the end of the calibration procedure, the modified approach is an ideal option for various code calibrations. It is worth noting that the modified approach can “grow” with development of material, knowledge, applications, and safety requirements due its simple updating which was not possible before. Moreover, the removal of the iterative loop allows using Monte Carlo methods (among other options) which are normally time-consuming and impractical for code calibration.     

桁架结构智能布局优化设计

结构的布局优化由于涉及尺寸、形状和拓扑三个层次的综合设计而成为优化问题中的难点,结合桁架结构提出了一个基于多个初始基结构的布局优化方法。以智能生成的、型式多样合理的基结构代替传统模型中的单一基结构,然后从不同基结构下的拓扑优化结果中找出最优设计。在克服传统基结构法有可能限制求解空间而丢失最优解这一局限性的同时,将形状和拓扑优化设计有效分离,降低了求解的难度,并且结合拓扑变化法,实现了桁架结构从选型生成、分析计算到优化设计的一体化智能设计过程。算例表明:利用该文提出的方法进行桁架结构的最优布局设计是可靠有效的。     

Generating locally optimal trajectories for an automatically driven car

The test-drive of an automobile along a given test-course can be modeled by formulating a suitable optimal control problem. However, if the length of the course is very long or if it has a very complicated structure, the numerical solution of the optimal control problem becomes very difficult. Therefore a moving horizon technique is employed, which splits the optimal control problem into a sequence of local optimal control problems that are combined by suitable continuity conditions. This approach yields a reference trajectory. A controller and differential GPS are integrated in a real-world car and allows a reference trajectory to be followed in real-time. A benefit of this approach is the very high accuracy obtained in reproducing the reference trajectory. Hence, it can be used for testing different setups of cars under the same conditions while excluding the comparatively large influence of a real-world driver. In this article, we will focus on a method for generating the reference trajectory and report our experiences with this algorithm. The method allows an locally optimal solution to be computed for various handling courses in a robust way.     

The use of linear programming for the design of SAW filters andfilterbanks

A linear programming algorithm is proposed for designing surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters or filterbanks with arbitrary amplitude and phase responses. A modified sampling theorem representation is employed for the transducer frequency responses which allows the number of independent variables to be minimized without degrading the filter characteristics. The method can also be used as part of an iterative procedure to generate optimal corrections for second order effects such as diffraction and circuit loading. A simplified algorithm for this procedure is given, and the method is illustrated with theoretical and experimental data from a three channel contiguous SAW filterbank design. Although the method given in this paper is formulated primarily for SAW filters, it is equally applicable to FIR digital filter design     

A numerical model based on orthogonal plate functions for vibration of ring supported elliptical plates

An accurate and computationally efficient numerical method is proposed for vibration analysis of thin elliptical plates lying on a circular or an elliptical ring support. A set of orthogonal two-dimensional plate functions generated through the Gram-Schmidt recurrence formula is used as the admissible functions in the Rayleigh-Ritz approach. Natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained by minimizing the functional with respect to the unknown coefficients. Several numerical examples are solved and the obtained results are carefully examined by convergence tests and compared with available results in the literature. Close agreement is achieved in all cases.     

Generalized Timoshenko modelling of composite beam structures: sensitivity analysis and optimal design

This article describes a new approach to design the cross-section layer orientations of composite laminated beam structures. The beams are modelled with realistic cross-sectional geometry and material properties instead of a simplified model. The VABS (the variational asymptotic beam section analysis) methodology is used to compute the cross-sectional model for a generalized Timoshenko model, which was embedded in the finite element solver FEAP. Optimal design is performed with respect to the layers’ orientation. The design sensitivity analysis is analytically formulated and implemented. The direct differentiation method is used to evaluate the response sensitivities with respect to the design variables. Thus, the design sensitivities of the Timoshenko stiffness computed by VABS methodology are imbedded into the modified VABS program and linked to the beam finite element solver. The modified method of feasible directions and sequential quadratic programming algorithms are used to seek the optimal continuous solution of a set of numerical examples. The buckling load associated with the twist–bend instability of cantilever composite beams, which may have several cross-section geometries, is improved in the optimization procedure.     

基于ICM方法的层合板结构流固耦合频率约束拓扑优化

该文基于独立、连续、映射(independent continuous mapping, ICM)的拓扑优化方法,针对层合板结构频率约束下流固耦合的拓扑优化问题进行了建模与求解。利用格林公式与瑞利商,进行了优化模型频率约束的显式化,并基于泰勒线性近似的方法推导了设计灵敏公式,同时采用对偶序列二次规划求解了该模型。另外,通过引入修正的Heaviside函数对拓扑变量进行了离散化处理。利用PCL(Patran Command Language)二次开发平台对现有MSC.Patran软件进行二次开发,并通过MSC.Nastran软件求解器,实现了优化算法。数值算例证明了该文程序与算法的有效性与可行性。     

金属热疲劳试验方法的探索

针对我国唯一一部行业以上级别的热疲劳试验方法HB6660-1992《金属板材热疲劳试验方法》存在的问题,对包括术语与定义、试验参数、试验方案和实际操作方法提出了具体的修订方案。为满足材料研究和设计、生产的实际需要,还提出了金属热疲劳试验的另一个重要的测试指标——金属的热变形及其测试方法。     

基于对数型Heaviside近似函数作为过滤函数的动力响应结构拓扑优化ICM方法

应用ICM(Independent Continuous and Mapping)方法, 建立了以重量最小为目标函数, 以连续频率带或离散点频率的简谐激励下的响应振幅为约束的拓扑优化模型. 引入了对数型Heaviside近似函数作为过滤函数, 并做了敏度分析, 利用对偶二次规划进行优化模型的求解, 并运用敏度过滤的方法处理动力响应数值不稳定的问题. 数值算例比较了利用对数型函数和幂函数作为过滤函数时对拓扑结构的影响, 结果显示利用对数型函数较幂函数结构优化迭代次数更少, 收敛更快.     

Multiobjective optimization by genetic algorithms: application to safety systems

When attempting to optimize the design of engineered systems, the analyst is frequently faced with the demand of achieving several targets (e.g. low costs, high revenues, high reliability, low accident risks), some of which may very well be in conflict. At the same time, several requirements (e.g. maximum allowable weight, volume etc.) should also be satisfied. This kind of problem is usually tackled by focusing the optimization on a single objective which may be a weighed combination of some of the targets of the design problem and imposing some constraints to satisfy the other targets and requirements. This approach, however, introduces a strong arbitrariness in the definition of the weights and constraints levels and a criticizable homogenization of physically different targets, usually all translated in monetary terms.The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to optimization in which every target is considered as a separate objective to be optimized. For an efficient search through the solution space we use a multiobjective genetic algorithm which allows us to identify a set of Pareto optimal solutions providing the decision maker with the complete spectrum of optimal solutions with respect to the various targets. Based on this information, the decision maker can select the best compromise among these objectives, without a priori introducing arbitrary weights.     

Design of CNG tank made of aluminium and reinforced plastic

A compressed natural gas storage tank suitable for gas operated vehicles can be made of thin-walled aluminium liners with a glass/epoxy reinforcement overwind. The hybrid construction allows the higher tensile strength of the glass reinforcement to be utilized, whilst giving a structure which weeps before burst and self-health. The advantages of the chosen construction can only be maximized for the optimal wall thickness and optimal stiffness of the composite shell after optimal prestressing of the tank. The purpose of the design task is to optimize the construction. This paper gives the methodology involved in achieving this using analytical techniques. The reliability of the design method together with the advantages of the chosen structural solution are proved by the manufacture and testing of prototype tanks.     

ROBUST DESIGN FOR IMPROVED VEHICLE HANDLING UNDER A RANGE OF MANEUVER CONDITIONS

In this article, a robust design procedure is applied to achieve improved vehicle handling performance as an integral part of simulation-based vehicle design. Recent developments in the field of robust design optimization and the techniques for creating global approximations of design behaviors are applied to improve the computational efficiency of robust vehicle design built upon sophisticated vehicle dynamic simulations. The approach is applied to the design of a M916A1 6-wheel tractor/M870A2 3-axle semi-trailer. The results illustrate that the proposed procedure is effective for preventing the rollover of ground vehicles as well as for identifying a design that is not only optimal against the worst maneuver condition but is also robust with respect to a range of maneuver inputs. Furthermore, a comparison is made between a statistical approach and a bi-level optimization approach in terms of their effectiveness in solving robust design problems     

Strict-product-ordering approach in the vertical product-line design problem

We consider a Vertical Product-line Design (VPD) problem for a monopolist where products are designed with quality-type attributes and customer segments exhibit an ordered pattern in the attribute part-worth structure. In this paper, we examine the appropriateness of a strict-product-ordering approach across products in designing a vertical product line. We show that the approach, although used widely in practice, is not a property of an optimal solution and can lead to an arbitrarily bad design. Furthermore, we present a sufficient condition where the strict-product-ordering approach is the property of an optimal solution in a general product line design problem. We also show that the VPD problem with a strict-product-ordering approach is computationally intractable, and develop a greedy heuristic solution procedure that exploits the problem structure. A computational study shows that the heuristic results in an average performance ratio of 98.7% compared with optimal solutions. In addition, our computational study shows that insisting on the strict-product-ordering approach results in on-average 3% less profit for the firm if it is enforced in inappropriate conditions.     

Reduction method for the non-linear analysis of symmetric anisotropic panels

Reduction method and computational procedures are presented for reducing the size of the analysis model and the number of degrees of freedom used in predicting the non-linear response of symmetric anisotropic panels. The two key elements of the method are (a) operator splitting, or decomposition of the characteristic arrays of the finite element model into sums of orthotropic and non-orthotropic contributions, (b) application of a reduction method through the successive use of the finite element method and the classical Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The finite element method is first used to generate a small number of global approximation vectors (or modes). Then the amplitudes of these modes are computed by using the classical Rayleigh-Ritz technique. The global approximation vectors are selected to be those commonly used in single (or multiple) parameter perturbation techniques, namely a non-linear solution corresponding to zero non-orthotropic arrays and a number of its derivatives with respect to an anisotropic tracing parameter (and possibly, to a load or arc-length parameter in the solution space). The size of the analysis model used in generating the global approximation vectors is identical to that of the corresponding orthotropic structure. The effectiveness of the proposed reduction method is demonstrated by means of a numerical example, and its potential for solving quasi-symmetric non-linear problems of anisotropic panels is discussed.     

Differential evolution techniques for the structure-control design of a five-bar parallel robot

The present work deals with the use of a constraint-handling differential evolution algorithm to solve a nonlinear dynamic optimization problem (NLDOP) with 51 decision variables. A novel mechatronic design approach is proposed as an NLDOP, where both the structural parameters of a non-redundant parallel robot and the control parameters are simultaneously designed with respect to a performance criterion. Additionally, the dynamic model of the parallel robot is included in the NLDOP as an equality constraint. The obtained solution will be a set of optimal geometric parameters and optimal PID control gains. The optimal geometric parameters adjust the dynamic and the kinematic parameters, optimizing then, the link shapes of the robot. The proposed mechatronic design approach is applied to design simultaneously both the mechanical structure of a five-bar parallel robot and the PID controller.