Design of C-Frames Using Real-Coded Genetic Optimization Algorithms and NURBS

Abstract

Abstract C-frames constitute a large portion of machine tools that are currently used in industry. Examples of these frames include drilling machines, presses, punching and stamping machines, clamps, hooks, etc. The design parameters of these frames include the dimensions of their cross-sections, which should be chosen to withstand the applied loads and minimize the element’s overall weight. Traditionally, the cross-section of C-frame belonged to a set of primitive shapes, which included I, T, trapezoidal and rectangular sections. This paper introduces a new methodology for designing the frame’s cross-section. The cross-sectional shape is represented using non-uniform rational B-Spline (NURBS) in order to give it a form of shape flexibility. A special form of genetic algorithms known as real-coded genetic algorithms is used to conduct the search for the design objectives. Real-coded genetic algorithms are known to outperform the simple binary representation genetic algorithms when dealing with continuous search spaces. The results showed that the optimal shape was a semi I/T-section with the material bulk related to the applied load.