Sensitivity Analysis of Internally Reinforced Thin-Walled Hollow-Box Beams Subjected to Uncoupled Bending and Torsion

Abstract

In this work, novel types of internally reinforced hollow-box beams were subjected to bending loading and studied using the finite element analysis software ANSYS. A parameterization of 3 geometric variables was performed, and deflection and effective deflection results were collected from 2 points at the model. The sensitivity analysis results are then discussed, with the aim of concluding if the selected design variables are adequate for optimization purposes.

Determination of the Dynamic Behavior of Thin-Walled Hollow-Box Sandwich Beams

“…These models represent different versions of the project of novel beams. They are composed of two sandwich panels on the top and on the bottom, and a reinforcement pattern on the sides, as shown in Figure 1: Such models were earlier discussed by the authors in other application aspects [12][13][14]16,17]. Simple hollow-box beams, named hollow-solid sections, and abbreviated HSS in the results were also studied, using the same conditions as on the sandwich beams.…”

“…In the peripheral zone, there are two lateral zones, and two other zones: one at top and the other at the bottom. The ANSYS input file contains instructions to collect the displacements on the no [12][13][14]16,17] and geometric variables of the FEM model used on the design optimization (right) [14,17].…”

“…ANSYS and the MATLAB application collaborate in this process. In [14,15,17], the authors state that ANSYS computes the FEM models, while MATLAB manages the optimization by means of a programming code. The optimization process was built according to the scheme shown in Figure 4.…”

“…Additionally, in [19,20], it was modified for structural static analysis. In this work, Equation (1) served as the goal function that the MATLAB code used to optimize the models, as in [14,17].…”

“…Previous research on the mechanical behavior of beams similar to the one here has been conducted [12,13]. Similar beams were also subjected to design optimization procedures [14,15]. In addition, a beam comparable to the one under study has been produced and put through experimental testing [16].…”