Isomorphism identification for epicyclic gear mechanism based on mapping property and ant algorithm

Abstract

To achieve computer-aided design for mechanism, one method that can be applied is graph theory. During the process of kinematic structure enumeration using graph theory, isomorphism identification of graphs is an important and complicated problem. The problem is known to be NP-complete problem. It is very important to improve the isomorphism identification efficiency and reliability. The objective of this research work is to use ant algorithm to improve the isomorphism identification efficiency and reliability for epicyclic gear mechanism. Based on mapping property between graphs, the isomorphism identification problem can be changed into a matrix operation problem. Two graphs must be isomorphism if the two matrixes of the two graphs can be exactly by exchanging their certain rows and columns, whereas show the two graphs must be non-isomorphic. A mixed model was developed for isomorphism identification by integrating the ant algorithm and mapping property between graphs. The gratifying results can be achieved while parameters are selected in appropriate situation by using the model. Finally, a computer program has been developed in Visual C++. Some examples confirm the validity of the model. The work will be a reliable isomorphism identification algorithm for intelligent CAD of epicyclic gear mechanism.