Process Improvements in Structural Optimization and NVH 2011-26-0103
Virtual development in the automotive industry like other development processes is always under pressure to improve the processes to save time and costs. In addition, the analyses should include optimization techniques to get the best relation between weight and stiffness. But it emerges that vibration analysis must also be included in the optimization at the same time. So, the situation in virtual development can be characterized by severe time constraints and a need to increase the complexity of the analysis and the processes.
One possible solution for these conflicting positions is to improve the processes and methods for structural optimization and the meshing for fluid structure analysis. The most important key features for the improvement of the process are:
Combination of several analysis types in one optimization,
Integrated optimization algorithms (efficiency),
Graphical user interface for the definition of complex analysis physics, including optimization,
Graphical user interface for the automatic and semi Automatic meshing of holes and cavities and
Improvement for all time consuming, up to now manual, processes.
One new approach will be presented for a guided definition and checking of processes in a graphical user interface. The combination of different analysis types in combination with different optimization types like shape, size and bead optimization will be demonstrated. A number of examples will be presented to illustrate the achievements in the different areas of analysis. For the improvement of manual processes the wizard technique for cavity meshing (hole detection, hole closing, meshing and coupling between fluid and structure) as requirement for NVH analysis will be presented.
The combination of several improvements in the process of optimization and NVH analysis leads to significant time savings. All together lead to considerable better products in a shorter time frame.
