考虑混合约束的柔顺机构拓扑优化设计

为了满足制造工艺和静强度要求,提出一种综合考虑最小尺寸控制和应力约束的柔顺机构混合约束拓扑优化设计方法。采用改进的固体各向同性材料插值模型描述材料分布,利用多相映射方法同时控制实相和空相材料结构的最小尺寸,采用最大近似函数P范数求解机构的最大应力,以机构的输出位移最大化作为目标函数,综合考虑最小特征尺寸控制和应力约束建立柔顺机构混合约束拓扑优化数学模型,利用移动渐近算法求解柔顺机构混合约束拓扑优化问题。数值算例结果表明,混合约束拓扑优化获得的柔顺机构能够同时满足最小尺寸制造约束和静强度要求,机构的von Mises等效应力分布更加均匀。     

考虑混合约束的柔顺机构拓扑优化设计

为了满足制造工艺和静强度要求,提出一种综合考虑最小尺寸控制和应力约束的柔顺机构混合约束拓扑优化设计方法。采用改进的固体各向同性材料插值模型描述材料分布,利用多相映射方法同时控制实相和空相材料结构的最小尺寸,采用最大近似函数P范数求解机构的最大应力,以机构的输出位移最大化作为目标函数,综合考虑最小特征尺寸控制和应力约束建立柔顺机构混合约束拓扑优化数学模型,利用移动渐近算法求解柔顺机构混合约束拓扑优化问题。数值算例结果表明,混合约束拓扑优化获得的柔顺机构能够同时满足最小尺寸制造约束和静强度要求,机构的von Mises等效应力分布更加均匀。     

基于拓扑优化的平面2-DOF柔顺并联机构构型设计

目的运用拓扑优化技术设计一种平面2-DOF(Degrees-of-Freedom)柔顺并联机构,使其具有微米级别的微运动特性。方法依据平面2-DOF并联原型机构的受力情况进行运动特性分析,基于同构封闭矢量映射原理构建平面2-DOF柔顺并联机构的微分运动Jacobian矩阵,表达多自由度的柔顺并联机构从输入到输出间各关节的运动关系。定义柔度为优化目标函数,微分运动Jacobian矩阵为运动条件,材料体积分数为约束条件,构建平面2-DOF柔顺并联机构材料属性的有理近似模型,并运用移动渐进线法优化求解。结果优化后的平面2-DOF柔顺并联机构构型在x方向的位移为-0.0089mm,在y方向的位移为0.0053 mm,同时,其沿x方向和y方向的微位移理论值为-0.0031 mm和0.0067 mm。结论与并联原型机构的运动特性相比,平面2-DOF柔顺并联机构优化后的微运动特性具有一致性,均为微米级。     

Optimum laminate design by using singular value decomposition

In practice, a structure is subjected to given loads and boundary conditions, and a multitude of stress and strain states may exist in the structure; hence, optimal construction of a laminate in a structure cannot be sought by considering only a limited number of stress resultants in the existence of multiple load cases. Then, another design objective based on optimization of a laminate for the worst possible load case emerges which is formulated as a minimax problem whose solution is shown to be equivalent to singular value minimization problem. As the squares of singular values are the bounds of power, energy and power spectral density ratios between the input and output vectors, shaping the singular values of a composite material is equivalent to shaping the response of the material. As a novel approach, singular values are used for the layout optimization of laminate. In this method, the main idea is minimization of the largest singular value of the transfer function matrix between force/moment resultants and outputs stress/strain. Thus the overall optimization problem is reduced to a simple minimization problem. Numerical examples and finite element simulations are presented for several test problems. In particular, it is shown that the use of singular values and singular vectors is computationally advantageous in case of multiple load case.     

A nonprobabilistic reliability–based topology optimization method of compliant mechanisms with interval uncertainties

On account of the inevitable multisource uncertainty factors in compliant mechanisms, which seriously affect the accuracy of output motion, a nonprobabilistic reliability–based topology optimization (NRBTO) framework for compliant mechanisms with interval uncertainties is introduced. Combined with the solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) model and the set-theoretical interval method, the uncertainty quantification analysis is conducted to obtain mathematical approximations and boundary laws of considered mean compliance. By normalization treatment of the limit-state function, a new quantified measure of the nonprobabilistic reliability is then defined. The compliance-based NRBTO design method ensures the output motion realizing its target value accurately considering the uncertainty factors. The sensitivities of the nonprobabilistic reliability index with respect to design variables are calculated by the adjoint vector method. Two engineering examples are eventually presented to illustrate the applicability and the validity of the present problem statement as well as the proposed numerical techniques.     

Topology synthesis of large‐displacement compliant mechanisms

This paper describes the use of topology optimization as a synthesis tool for the design of large‐displacement compliant mechanisms. An objective function for the synthesis of large‐displacement mechanisms is proposed together with a formulation for synthesis of path‐generating compliant mechanisms. The responses of the compliant mechanisms are modelled using a total Lagrangian finite element formulation, the sensitivity analysis is performed using the adjoint method and the optimization problem is solved using the method of moving asymptotes. Procedures to circumvent some numerical problems are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sparse monolithic compliant mechanisms using continuum structural topology optimization

A formulation for design of continuous, hinge‐free compliant mechanisms is developed and examined within a continuum structural topology optimization framework. The formulation makes use of two distinctly different sets of springs, the first of which are artificial springs of relatively large stiffness attached to the input and output ports of the mechanism model, and the second of which are springs attached only to the output port with smaller stiffnesses that represent the resistance of the workpiece as it is manipulated by the mechanism. The proposed formulation involves solving two nested optimization problems. In the inner problem the arrangement of a constrained amount of structural material is optimized to maximize the mechanism's mutual potential energy in response to a force loading at the input port while working against the stiff artificial springs on the input and output ports. As the relative stiffness of the artificial springs increases, the material continuity of the mechanism also increases to the point where de facto ‘hinge’ regions are eliminated. In the outer problem, the artificial springs are removed and one solves for an appropriate amount of structural material that yields the desired finite deformation compliance characteristics of the mechanism when working against the real workpiece resistance. Different aspects of the proposed formulation are demonstrated on a number of examples and discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Topology optimization of compliant mechanisms using pairs of curves

The structural topology optimization approach can be used to generate compliant mechanisms for some desired input–output requirements. The success of the optimization depends on the structural geometry representation scheme used. In this paper, a novel representation scheme is proposed. The representation scheme is characterized by pairs of curves that are used to connect Input/Ouput (I/O) regions of the structure. Each pair of curves includes a normal curve and a fat curve. The areas bounded by the pair of curves define the material distribution between them. All I/O regions are connected to one another (either directly or indirectly) by pairs of curves in order to form one single connected load-bearing structure. A genetic algorithm for constrained and multiobjective optimization is then applied with the representation scheme of the structure in the form of a graph. Simulation results from a displacement inverter and a displacement redirector indicate that the presented representation scheme is appropriate.     

A new scheme for imposing a minimum length scale in topology optimization

A new scheme for imposing a minimum length scale in topology optimization is presented. It guarantees the existence of an optimal design for a large class of topology optimization problems of practical interest. It is formulated as one constraint that is computationally cheap and for which sensitivities are also cheap to compute. The constraint value is ideally zero, but it can be relaxed to a positive value. The effect of the method is illustrated in topology optimization for minimum compliance and design of compliant mechanisms. Notably, the method produces compliant mechanisms with distributed flexibility, something that has previously been difficult to obtain using topology optimization for the design of compliant mechanisms. The term ‘MOLE method’ is suggested for the method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

考虑位移要求的大型三维连续体结构拓扑优化数值技术研究

大型复杂三维结构拓扑优化设计既具有理论意义,又具有重要的应用价值。基于等效转换的非奇异的结构优化模型,研究结构位移要求的最小结构重量设计问题。首先,介绍了位移约束的三维结构优化准则和公式。而后,为了提高拥有数万个单元以上的三维结构的计算效率,结合结构位移计算的迭代方法,在分析用于结构特性参数计算模型的基础上,建立了一套三维结构拓扑优化的求解策略和算法。最后,给出了几个典型和复杂的三维结构的拓扑优化设计算例。算例表明求解策略和算法是正确和有效的,且具有广泛的工程应用前景。     

Approximate reanalysis in topology optimization

In the nested approach to structural optimization, most of the computational effort is invested in the solution of finite element analysis equations. In this study, the integration of an approximate reanalysis procedure into the framework of topology optimization of continuum structures is investigated. The nested optimization problem is reformulated to accommodate the use of an approximate displacement vector and the design sensitivities are derived accordingly. It is shown that relatively rough approximations are acceptable since the errors are taken into account in the sensitivity analysis. The implementation is tested on several small and medium scale problems, including 2‐D and 3‐D minimum compliance problems and 2‐D compliant force inverter problems. Accurate results are obtained and the savings in computation time are promising. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

平面整体式三自由度全柔顺并联机构拓扑优化构型设计及振动频率分析

通过建立并联原型机构的微分雅克比矩阵方程,实现平面整体式三自由度全柔顺并联机构与并联原型机构之间的矢量同构映射。在此基础上,建立平面整体式3-PRR型全柔顺并联机构SIMP拓扑优化模型,并采用优化准则算法,结合矢量同构映射方程,进行了平面整体式3-PRR型全柔顺并联机构同构构型设计,通过应力分布和前四阶振动固有频率仿真对比研究表明：所采取的拓扑优化设计方法使平面整体式全柔顺并联机构具有一定的均布刚度和较好的振动抑制性能,且对其振动频率的分析可为机构尺寸优化及振型优化提供了重要的依据。同时,微运动特性的仿真表明其与传统并联原型机构之间的运动学同构性一致。该结果对平面整体式全柔顺并联机构的构型拓扑优化设计有实际意义。     

Numerical methods for the topology optimization of structures that exhibit snap‐through

The inclusion of non‐linear elastic analyses into the topology optimization problem is necessary to capture the finite deformation response, e.g. the geometric non‐linear response of compliant mechanisms. In previous work, the non‐linear response is computed by standard non‐linear elastic finite element analysis. Here, we incorporate a load–displacement constraint method to traverse non‐linear equilibrium paths with limit points to design structures that exhibit snap‐through behaviour. To accomplish this, we modify the basic arc length algorithm and embed this analysis into the topology optimization problem. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hierarchical optimization for topology design of multi-material compliant mechanisms

Multi-material topology optimization enables potential design possibilities in the multiphysics and structural designing fields. In this article, a bi-level hierarchical optimization method is introduced to address the multi-material design of compliant mechanisms. The hierarchical optimization develops decomposition approaches allowing the original complex multi-material optimization problem to be reduced to set of low-order single-material optimization sub-problems. The solution of the complex multi-material problem is found as a vector of the single-material sub-problems solutions. All the local sub-problems are solved with the solid isotropic material with penalization method independently, and a stiffness spreading technique is worked out to coordinate components of the global solution of the original problem. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the validity of this method.     

Analysis and optimization of a compliant mechanism-based digital force/weight sensor

Digital force/weight sensors have some advantages over their analog counterparts. This paper describes the optimization and implementation of a novel digital force/weight sensor that uses a thickness-shear quartz crystal resonator (QCR) and a unique compliant mechanism. The compliant mechanism consists of eight flexure hinges and is used to fix the sensitive QCR and transfer the measured force. Advantages of such a sensor include inherent digital output, high resolution, high reliability, and low cost. Due to the complex structure and the multivariables of the compliant mechanism, conventional trial methods are inefficient in determining the dimensions. To solve this problem, an optimization method has been developed by employing rigid-body model, finite element method, and nonlinear programming techniques. Experimental results show that it is more efficient than trial methods in optimizing complex compliant mechanism-based sensors. This method can be used as a generic method for optimizing force sensors using compliant mechanisms, to obtain the desired specifications.     

Robust topology optimization of compliant mechanisms with uncertainties in output stiffness

This work addresses the topology optimization approach to design robust compliant mechanisms with respect to uncertainties in the output stiffness, when compared to the traditional deterministic approach. To this end, two formulations are proposed: probabilistic and nonprobabilistic. The probabilistic formulation minimizes a joint objective function of expected output displacement plus a measure of its standard deviations, for given statistical distribution of the output stiffness. The nonprobabilistic formulation is written as minimization of a joint function of the median of output displacements, plus the width of the intervals that contains the extreme values of the output displacements, for a given interval of output stiffness. The Monte Carlo simulation method is used to evaluate expected values and standard deviations of output displacements in the probabilistic formulation and to assess results obtained with the deterministic approach. It is shown that both formulations lead to designs where output displacements are less sensitive to variations of output stiffness when compared to the traditional deterministic approach. Furthermore, as an additional benefit, it is observed that large variations of output stiffness can hinder the appearance of one-node connected hinges, usually found in the deterministic design of compliant mechanisms.     

单级柔顺正交位移放大机构非线性建模与优化

同时实现操作的灵活性与稳定性是精密工程领域的研究热点。单级柔顺正交位移放大机构可通过正交位移转换实现平行夹持,并通过位移放大提高操作的灵活性,但该机构的传统建模方法主要基于小变形假定并忽略剪切作用,导致模型精度较低。为此,对典型的单力输入单级柔顺正交位移放大机构进行精确的非线性建模与优化。考虑到剪切作用与几何非线性因素,对单级柔顺正交位移放大机构输出位移进行两步法半解析建模,以实现非线性结果的快速预测。第1步,基于能量法与欧拉-伯努利梁理论,建立该机构输出位移的线弹性解析模型,并结合小变形静力学有限元分析,拟合剪切非线性修正系数;第2步,结合几何非线性静力学有限元分析与数值拟合,建立该机构输出位移的几何非线性修正系数模型。为最大化输出位移并抑制几何非线性作用,提出机构平面尺寸和厚度综合优化策略,并利用ANSYS Workbench有限元仿真验证了机构输出位移非线性模型与优化结果的有效性。仿真结果显示,机构输出位移非线性模型的误差小于5%,且可依据不同优化策略显著增大输出位移或将几何非线性程度约束于指定范围内。研究表明利用所提出的方法对单级柔顺正交位移放大机构进行非线性建模与优化,可有效提高压电驱动柔顺微夹钳的位移输出性能与开环控制的精度和实时性,有利于实现稳定灵活的微操作。     

基于EMD的奇异值分解技术在滚动轴承故障诊断中的应用

针对滚动轴承故障振动信号的非平稳特征,提出了一种基于经验模态分解(EmpiricalModeDecomposition,简称EMD)和奇异值分解技术的滚动轴承故障诊断方法。该方法首先采用EMD方法将滚动轴承振动信号分解为多个平稳的内禀分量(IntrinsicModefunction,简称IMF)之和,并形成初始特征向量矩阵。然后对初始特征向量矩阵进行奇异值分解得到矩阵的奇异值,将其作为滚动轴承振动信号的故障特征向量,并输入神经网络来识别滚动轴承的工作状态和故障类型。实验分析结果表明,本文方法能有效地应用于滚动轴承故障诊断。