Hybrid Taguchi-Lévy flight distribution optimization algorithm for solving real-world design optimization problems

The Lévy flight distribution optimization algorithm is a recently developed meta-heuristic. In this study, the Lévy flight distribution optimization algorithm and the Taguchi method are hybridized to solve the shape optimization problem, which is the final step in developing optimum structural components. The new method is termed the hybrid Lévy flight distribution and Taguchi (HLFD-T) algorithm. Geometric dimensions are used as design variables in the optimization, and the problem is aimed at mass minimization. The constraint in the problem is the maximum stress value. The well-known Kriging meta-modeling approach and a specifically developed hybrid approach have been coupled in this paper to find the component’s optimal geometry. The results show that the proposed hybrid algorithm (HLFD-T) has more robust features than the ant lion algorithm, the whale algorithm, and the Lévy flight distribution optimization algorithm for obtaining an optimal component geometry.

DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR AN UNMANNED DRONE FRAME

Designing of a drone frame is presented in this paper. The main goal is to develop the optimal drone frame geometry. The optimization criterion represents mass minimization along with ensuring the required stiffness. Another intention is to use cheap materials and simple manufacturing technologies. The design process consists of three steps. The first step is engineering of a composite material, which is a three-layer sandwich panel. A series of three-point bending experiments are carried out for material samples. The optimality criterion takes into account both physical and economic features of the material. In the final scheme the outer layers are made of carbon and basalt fabrics, which are impregnated with resin, and a specific non-woven material is used as filler. The second step is the initial design. Dimensions are specified for design purposes. The third step is the optimization process. The finite element model of the frame is developed. The drone weight and the lift forces serve as applied loads. The optimization is implemented by removing material from unloaded areas of the structure. The Nelder–Mead (simplex) method with varying geometric parameters of the structure is used. As a result of the optimization process, the mass of the initial structure is reduced by 25.6 percent.

Design and Fabrication of 5 Ton Hydraulic Press Machine

A hydraulic press is a machine using a hydraulic cylinder to generate a compressive force. Frame, hydraulic cylinder and press table are the main components of the hydraulic press. In this project press frame, cylinder and press table are designed by the design procedure. They are analyzed to improve their performance and quality for press working operation. Using the optimum resources possible in designing the hydraulic press components can effect reduction in the cost by optimizing the weight of material utilized for building the structure. An attempt has been made in this direction to reduce the volume of material. So in this paper we consider an industrial application project consisting of mass minimization of H frame type hydraulic press. This press has to compensate the forces acting on the working plates and has to fulfill certain critical constraints. Here we use implementation for analysis and optimization of hydraulic press. The aim of this paper is to integrate the mechanical system of hydraulic press with hydraulic system to facilitate the ease of operation to manufacture the smaller parts in a bulk. In the present scenario, time constrain is a crucial part for completion of any production process. Thus with the aid of automization, the production time can be reduced as well as higher degree of accuracy can be achieved as the human efforts will be alleviated. Thus an attempt has been made to provide the smooth and rapid functioning of press work with the help of hydraulic system.

Design of dual rotor axial flux permanent magnet generators with ferrite and rare-earth magnets

This article addresses dual rotor axial flux Ferrite permanent magnet (PM) generator, as an alternative to a surface mounted and spoke types Nd-Fe-B generator which have concentrated windings. The performance parameters of all generators, particularly the efficiency, are identical. The design objective function is the generators mass minimization using a population-based algorithm. To predict the performance of the generators a finite element (FE) technique is applied. Besides, the aims of the design include minimizing cogging torque, examining different rotor pole topologies and different pole arc to pole pitch ratios. Three-dimensional FE technique is employed. It is shown that the surface mounted Ferrite generator topology cannot develop the rated torque and also has high torque ripple. In addition, it is heavier than the spoke type generator. Furthermore, it is indicated that the spoke type Ferrite PM generator has favorable performance and could be an alternative to rare-earth PM generators, particularly in wind energy applications. Finally, the performance of the designed generators is experimentally verified.

Design Optimization of Helical Coil Suspension for Mass Minimization

Helical coil suspensions are used to absorb vibrations as vehicle moves on rough roads. As automobile industry demands for increased fuel efficiency, the designers emphasize on weight reduction of automobile components to the maximum extent possible without much compromise in strength. The current research analyzes the Hero Honda suspension subjected to bumps on roads and causing deformation and stresses on the component. Using Taguchi Response surface optimization, response surface plots and sensitivity plots are generated for stress and strain energy. From the response surface optimization, it is evident that nearly 23% of mass reduction is possible. The CAD modelling and analysis is conducted using ANSYS 18.1 software which is based on Finite Element Analysis and response surface optimization is also conducted on the same platform.