Structural optimization of castings by using ABAQUS and Matlab

• In this work a general method for structural optimization of nonlinear structures is implemented using FE-analysis. The method utilizes the response surface methodology with polynomial surfaces and nonlinear programming. In such manner a method that is applicable for a large number of different classes of nonlinear problems is obtained. In this paper, the method is utilized to minimize weight of castings by including residual stresses from solidification. This is performed by first determine the residual stresses by a thermomechanical analysis of a metal structure that is cooled from a temperature above liquidus temperature down to room temperature. The thermomechanical analysis is uncoupled where the temperature distribution within the casting as a function of time is determined first and is later on used for residual stress calculations. These residual stresses are then included when the mechanical load is applied to the structure and the problem of minimum of weight is formulated. The structure shown in this paper is an example of a two dimensional geometry. The shape of the structures will of course affect the residual stress distribution during the optimization. The nonlinear models are then solved using ABAQUS/Standard. A set of solutions are generated by solving the model for a pre-defined set of parameters. In order to minimize the number of simulations and still achieve good surface approximations these parameters are taken to be D-optimal. The sets of solutions and parameters are in turn exported to Matlab where general quadratic response surfaces are fitted by the least square method. By utilizing these surfaces the problem of minimum of weight subjected to constraints on stresses is formulated. Finally, the nonlinear optimization problem is solved by sequential linear programming.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Teknisk mekanik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Applied Mechanics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Engineering mechanics

Teknisk mekanik

Mechanical Engineering

Maskinteknik

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