Hinged beam elements for the topology design of compliant mechanisms using the ground structure approach

2008 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 557-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak S. Ramrakhyani ◽  
Mary I. Frecker ◽  
George A. Lesieutre
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Topology Design ◽  
Ground Structure ◽  
Structure Approach ◽  
Beam Elements ◽  
Ground Structure Approach

Hinged Beam Elements for the Topology Design of Compliant Mechanisms Using the Ground Structure Approach

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak S. Ramrkahyani ◽  
Mary I. Frecker ◽  
George A. Lesieutre
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Topology Design ◽  
Ground Structure ◽  
Topology Optimization Problem ◽  
Beam Elements ◽  
New Type ◽  
Beam Type ◽  
Compliant Mechanism Design ◽  
Ground Structure Approach

The design obtained from a topology optimization problem can largely depend on the type of the ground structure used. A new type of ground structure containing hinged beam elements is described in this paper that reduces the dependence of the optimal design on the ground structure. Apart from the beam and truss elements that have traditionally been used, two new types of elements are introduced: 1) a beam with a hinge on one end and a solid connection on the other end, 2) beam element with hinges on both ends. These elements are particularly useful when applied to a compliant mechanism design using a truss/beam type ground structure. A couple of compliant mechanism problems are solved to demonstrate the effectiveness of these elements.

scholarly journals Synthesis of Bistable Periodic Structures Using Topology Optimization and a Genetic Algorithm

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitendra Prasad ◽  
Alejandro Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Topology Optimization ◽  
Periodic Structures ◽  
Performance Criterion ◽  
Ground Structure ◽  
Structure Approach ◽  
Automatic Synthesis ◽  
Compliant Structure ◽  
Beam Elements ◽  
Ground Structure Approach

Formulations for the automatic synthesis of two-dimensional bistable, compliant periodic structures are presented, based on standard methods for topology optimization. The design space is parameterized using non-linear beam elements and a ground structure approach. A performance criterion is suggested, based on characteristics of the load-deformation curve of the compliant structure. A genetic algorithm is used to find candidate solutions. A numerical implementation of this methodology is discussed and illustrated using a simple example.

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