A multilevel structural optimization strategy based on the priority order of the design objectives.

Abstract

Multiple objectives in the design of machine structures exist. Here, two types of priorities among these objectives are considered. One of these objectives is the absolutely necessary goal, the "required goal", and the other is the "requested goal". Few studies have been conducted with respect to the structural design problem of multiple goals with these kinds of priorities. Thus, a multilevel structural optimization strategy which is based on the lexicographic optimization method and modified so as to be available for structural design, is proposed in this paper. This strategy is demonstrated on an actual example of a motorcycle frame structural design which has three goals ; achievement of static torsional rigidity, reduction of dynamic response level and decrease in the weight of the motorcycle frame.