Manufacturing constraints in parameter–free shape optimization

Abstract

AbstractStructural shape optimization has become an important tool for engineers when it comes to improving components with respect to a given goal function. During this process the designer has to ensure that the optimized part stays manufacturable. Depending on the manufacturing process several requirements could be relevant such as demolding or different kinds of symmetry. This work introduces two approaches on how to handle manufacturing constraints in parameter‐free shape optimization. In the so–called explicit approach equality and inequality equations are formulated using the coordinates of the FE‐nodes. These equations can be used to extend the optimization problem. Since the number of the additional constraint equations may be very large we apply aggregation formulations, e.g. the Kreisselmeier‐Steinhauser function, if necessary. In the second approach, the so–called implicit method, the set of design nodes is split in two groups called optimization nodes and dependent nodes. The optimization nodes are now handled as design nodes but the dependent nodes are coupled to the optimization nodes in such a way that the manufacturing constraint is fulfilled. (© 2014 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)