Genetic algorithms are a robust method for a solution of wide variety optimization problems. It explores a big space of design variables in order to find the best solution. From the point of view of a user, the algorithm requires the encoding of design variables into the form of strings and the procedure of optimization uses them for optimization. Here, for the structural engineer, it is crucial to find the form of objective function including the constraints of the task and also to avoid critical states during the solution of structural responses. This paper presents the use of genetic algorithm for solving truss structures. The use of genetic algorithm approach is shown on three cases of truss structures.

In exact analyses of bodies in the elastic–plastic regime, the behavior of the material above critical stress values plays a key role. In addition, under cyclic stress, important phenomena to be taken into account are the various types of hardening and the design of the material or structure. In this process, it is important to define several groups of characteristics. These include, for instance, the initial area of plasticity or load which defines the interface between elastic and plastic deformation area. The characteristics also include the relevant law of plastic deformation which specifies the velocity direction of plastic deformation during plastic deformation. In the hardening condition, it is also important to determine the position, size and shape of the subsequent loading area. The elasto-plastic theory was used for the analysis of special compliant mechanisms that are applied for positioning of extremely precise members of the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC), e.g., cryomagnets, laser equipment, etc. Different types of deformation hardening were used to simulate the behavior of particular structural elements in the elastic–plastic regime. Obtained values of stresses and deformations may be used in further practical applications or as default values in other strain hardening model simulations.

This paper aims to design a new model of the third-stage carrier assembly used in a planetary gearbox as a single part component with improved strength and fatigue life properties and lower production costs. First, the mounting carrier assembly is subjected to static, fatigue, and modal analysis, and based on obtained results, the operating conditions that ensure its trouble-free operation are proposed. In the next step, new designs of the carrier as a single piece component are proposed and subjected to similar analyses. The proper numerical analysis method is chosen to evaluate the fatigue life, total deformation, and von Misses stress for each new model. Based on these results, the best design is chosen and submitted to further improvement, ensuring a weight reduction of 5 %. This last model of the carrier assembly is the most optimal solution since the maximum deformation values decreased by more than 55 %, and the maximum von Misses stresses decreased by almost 38 %, which increased fatigue life. A more comprehensive range of operating conditions for the optimized carrier is proposed to ensure its suitability for use in each gearbox. The finite element method analysis is performed in ANSYS.

This paper deals with modal analysis through 3 different approaches, namely: analytically, numerically and experimentally. The investigated mechanical structure in this case will be a beam, which is characterized by three parameters, one of which is significantly larger than the other two. The beam is a structural element designed to transmit forces, mostly external ones. Modal analysis of the beam will be performed in 2 versions of its fixation, as a free structure and a one-sided embedded fixation. Modal parameters obtained by 3 different approaches will be compared with each other, which will determine whether the method of calculation was chosen correctly or whether the experiment was performed correctly.

This paper provides static, modal and dynamic analysis of the assembly consisting of fixing clamp, inductive sensor, two fixing bolts and frame applied on railway stock. All the necessary tests to perform this analysis are in accordance with the standard EN 61373: 2010 or the Slovak standard STN EN 61373: 2011. In the next part, a simulation of the tests required for the dynamic analysis of the modelled assembly is performed. For each analysis, von Misses stress is evaluated and then compared to the yield strength of used material. Finally, this work provides a proposal for new design solutions of the fixing clamp based on the obtained results. All analyses were performed in ANSYS Workbench programme using finite element method.