Efficient Sensitivity Analysis for Multibody Dynamics Systems Using an Iterative Steps Method With Application in Topology Optimization

Author(s):  
Guang Dong ◽  
Zheng-Dong Ma ◽  
Gregory Hulbert ◽  
Noboru Kikuchi ◽  
Sudhakar Arepally ◽  
...  

Efficient and reliable sensitivity analyses are critical for topology optimization, especially for multibody dynamics systems, because of the large number of design variables and the complexities and expense in solving the state equations. This research addresses a general and efficient sensitivity analysis method for topology optimization with design objectives associated with time dependent dynamics responses of multibody dynamics systems that include nonlinear geometric effects associated with large translational and rotational motions. An iterative sensitivity analysis relation is proposed, based on typical finite difference methods for the differential algebraic equations (DAEs). These iterative equations can be simplified for specific cases to obtain more efficient sensitivity analysis methods. Since finite difference methods are general and widely used, the iterative sensitivity analysis is also applicable to various numerical solution approaches. The proposed sensitivity analysis method is demonstrated using a truss structure topology optimization problem with consideration of the dynamic response including large translational and rotational motions. The topology optimization problem of the general truss structure is formulated using the SIMP (Simply Isotropic Material with Penalization) assumption for the design variables associated with each truss member. It is shown that the proposed iterative steps sensitivity analysis method is both reliable and efficient.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanpeng Fang ◽  
Ling Zheng

A topology optimization method is proposed to minimize the resonant response of plates with constrained layer damping (CLD) treatment under specified broadband harmonic excitations. The topology optimization problem is formulated and the square of displacement resonant response in frequency domain at the specified point is considered as the objective function. Two sensitivity analysis methods are investigated and discussed. The derivative of modal damp ratio is not considered in the conventional sensitivity analysis method. An improved sensitivity analysis method considering the derivative of modal damp ratio is developed to improve the computational accuracy of the sensitivity. The evolutionary structural optimization (ESO) method is used to search the optimal layout of CLD material on plates. Numerical examples and experimental results show that the optimal layout of CLD treatment on the plate from the proposed topology optimization using the conventional sensitivity analysis or the improved sensitivity analysis can reduce the displacement resonant response. However, the optimization method using the improved sensitivity analysis can produce a higher modal damping ratio than that using the conventional sensitivity analysis and develop a smaller displacement resonant response.



Author(s):  
Guang Dong ◽  
Zheng-Dong Ma ◽  
Gregory Hulbert ◽  
Noboru Kikuchi

The topology optimization method is extended for the optimization of geometrically nonlinear, time-dependent multibody dynamics systems undergoing nonlinear responses. In particular, this paper focuses on sensitivity analysis methods for topology optimization of general multibody dynamics systems, which include large displacements and rotations and dynamic loading. The generalized-α method is employed to solve the multibody dynamics system equations of motion. The developed time integration incorporated sensitivity analysis method is based on a linear approximation of two consecutive time steps, such that the generalized-α method is only applied once in the time integration of the equations of motion. This approach significantly reduces the computational costs associated with sensitivity analysis. To show the effectiveness of the developed procedures, topology optimization of a ground structure embedded in a planar multibody dynamics system under dynamic loading is presented.



Author(s):  
Kyung K. Choi ◽  
Nam H. Kim ◽  
Mark E. Botkin

Abstract A unified design sensitivity analysis method for a meshfree shell structure with respect to sizing, shape, and configuration design variables is presented in this paper. A shear deformable shell formulation is characterized by a CAD connection, thickness degeneration, meshfree discretization, and nodal integration. The design variable is selected from the CAD parameters, and a consistent design velocity field is then computed by perturbing the surface geometric matrix. The material derivative concept is used to obtain a design sensitivity equation in the parametric domain. Numerical examples show the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed design sensitivity analysis method compared to the analytical solution and the finite difference solution.



2011 ◽  
Vol 2-3 ◽  
pp. 291-295
Author(s):  
Zhong Luo ◽  
Le Liang ◽  
Yan Yan Chen ◽  
Fei Wang

A parameter optimization method based on sensitivity analysis is presented for the structural optimization of variable section slender manipulator. Structure mechanism of a polishing robot is introduced firstly, and its stiffness model is established. Then, a design sensitivity analysis method and a sequential liner programming (SLP) strategy are proposed. In the beginning of the optimization, the design sensitivity analysis method can be used to select the sensitive design variables which can make the optimized results more efficient and accurate. And then, it can be used to improve the convergence during the process of the optimization. The design sensitivities are calculated using the finite difference method. The search for the final optimal structure is performed using the SLP method. Simulation results show that the structure optimization method is effective to enhance the stiffness of the manipulator, no matter when the manipulator suffers constant force or variable force. This work lays a theoretical foundation for the structural optimization for such manipulators.



2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhong Luo ◽  
Xueyan Zhao ◽  
Le Liang ◽  
Fei Wang

An effective structural optimization method based on a sensitivity analysis is proposed to optimize the variable section of a slender robot arm. The structure mechanism and the operating principle of a polishing robot are introduced firstly, and its stiffness model is established. Then, a design of sensitivity analysis method and a sequential linear programming (SLP) strategy are developed. At the beginning of the optimization, the design sensitivity analysis method is applied to select the sensitive design variables which can make the optimized results more efficient and accurate. In addition, it can also be used to determine the scale of moving step which will improve the convergency during the optimization process. The design sensitivities are calculated using the finite difference method. The search for the final optimal structure is performed using the SLP method. Simulation results show that the proposed structure optimization method is effective in enhancing the stiffness of the robot arm regardless of the robot arm suffering either a constant force or variable forces.



Author(s):  
Lu Xia ◽  
Meihua Yang ◽  
Lang Li ◽  
Xin Zhang

To deal with the problem of the difficult optimization search and expensive computational cost caused by large-scale design variables, the hierarchical optimization design system based on the global sensitivity analysis method is established in this paper. The M-OAT method is used to analyze the global sensitivity of the design variables, according to the sensitivity information to layer design variables, then optimize the design variables in each hierarchy. Through the study of the hierarchical optimization design of airfoils and wings, compared with the normal parameter optimization design system, the hierarchical optimization design system based on the global sensitivity analysis method can reduce effectively the number of design variables in a single optimization, reduce the difficulty of the optimization search, improve the convergence speed of the optimization, gain better optimization results at the same time. For optimization design with large-scale design variables, the hierarchical optimization design system based on the global sensitivity analysis method is a sort of effective ways of design.



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