Topology optimization of the compliant mechanisms considering curved beam elements using metaheuristic algorithms

Abstract

Compliant mechanisms use the flexibility of the limbs for movement and can be produced monolithic and joint-less. These flexible mechanisms have wide applications in several fields such as sensors, grippers, parallel mechanisms, micro-electro-mechanical systems, high-precision devices, and biomedical and surgery robots. Topology optimization is regarded as one of the most frequently used approaches for designing compliant mechanisms. The present study aimed to develop the ground structure approach by meshing the design domain using curved beam elements. Moreover, it seeks to implement three different metaheuristic algorithms, including the genetic algorithm, the imperialist competition algorithm, and the equilibrium optimizer for the topology optimization problem. The structural analysis of the compliant mechanism is necessary for determining the values of the objective functions for the optimization process. In the present study, the finite element method was used to analyze the obtained compliant mechanism. Based on the results, an optimum compliant mechanism with both straight and curved beam elements had better performance compared with a compliant mechanism with only straight beams.

Iterative design of satellite structures and topology optimisation methods

“…Several alternative concepts seeking to employ meta-heuristic methodologies in TO have been proposed but have not undergone further development. For instance, there are strategies such as multiobjective TO grounded in bacterial chemotaxis [150], a ground structure approach utilising curved elements [151], a binary bat algorithm [152], a hybrid firefly and particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm [153], and a semi-definite programming-based approach coupled with a GA [154].…”

On Topology Optimisation Methods and Additive Manufacture for Satellite Structures: A Review

“…There exist a plethora of other proposals aiming to apply metaheuristic approaches with TO, but they have not experienced further development. We observed a multi-objective TO based on bacterial chemotaxis [211], a joint firefly and particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm [212], a symbiotic organisms search algorithm [213], an improved electrosearch algorithm [214], a plasma generation optimisation [215], a binary bat algorithm [216], an enhanced binary GA along with morphological reconstruction [217], a semi-definite programming-based approach combined with a GA [218], as well as a ground structure approach based on curved elements [219]. A constant in metaheuristic methods is the large quantity of iterations needed to converge which makes them difficult to extend to 3D design spaces where the computational burden increases considerably.…”

Enabling the transfer matrix method to model serial–parallel compliant mechanisms including curved flexure beams

“…However, complex serial-parallel configurations with curved flexure hinges/beams pose challenges to such a multifold target.Compliant mechanisms including serial-parallel configurations and curved flexure beams have attracted increasingly more attention due to their potential advantages. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] For instance, curved flexure beams can enhance flexibility, while retaining a low stress level and small space. 14 Furthermore, the redundant geometric parameter of curvature can extend the design domain.…”