A SHAPE AND SIZE OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM FOR MACHINE TOOL ELEMENT DESIGN

A shape and size optimization algorithm is developed to incorporate the shape and size variables in a recently developed machine tool simulation and design methodology known as Integrated Machining Process Design Simulator (IMPDS). This shape optimization algorithm, using coordinates of master nodes, parameters of geometric equations, coordinate linking and symmetry option approaches presents a general and flexible way of controlling and optimizing the structural shape of machine tool elements. An application of the proposed shape and size optimization algorithm indicates that the shape and size parameters have significant effects on the structural characteristics and the dynamic behavior of machine tool elements.