Structural Optimization Coupled with Materials Selection for Stiffness Improvement

Abstract

An application of a Finite Element Model updating is presented in this paper. Two Finite Element models were considered: a reinforced plate and a thin-walled beam. The two parts were numerically calculated in ANSYS Mechanical APDL and MATLAB programs. ANSYS performs Finite Element calculations, and a MATLAB programming code was used to control the optimization procedure. Geometric variables were chosen, to evaluate the value of the defined objective function. The material was picked using available selection charts, to find the most adequate one for the study. It has been concluded that the transveral displacement of the models modified by the optimization process decreased sharply in relation to the original state.

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

“…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.…”

“…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].…”