Optimization Methods Applied to Development of Vehicle Structures 2013-36-0455
Optimization methods applied to problems of structural design, specifically in numerical problems in which are used the finite element method, working with a set of variables, allow to minimize (or maximize) a given objective function subject to certain design constraints [1].
Solving engineering problems often requires individual assessment of a large number of possible combinations for the design parameters that could be tested as potential solutions.
Thus, it can be said that optimization methods provide directions to achieve solutions faster, significantly reducing product development times, without however eliminating the need for some iteration cycles in which it is comprised the phases of numerical simulation, results interpretation and feasibility analysis from a manufacturing viewpoint. Often, a new iteration cycle is done for the same optimization problem, starting from the final result of previous iteration cycle, until it is reached the so-called solution convergence.
This work aims to illustrate some examples of application, by using the optimization software Altair Optistruct®, in the solution of problems related to development of vehicle structures, and subsequently, the obtained results are discussed.
Citation: Morales, E., Alexandre, S., and Macedo, L., "Optimization Methods Applied to Development of Vehicle Structures," SAE Technical Paper 2013-36-0455, 2013, https://doi.org/10.4271/2013-36-0455. Download Citation