Multi-criteria shape design of crane-hook taking account of estimated load condition

Abstract

In order to improve the crane-hook\'s performance and service life, we formulate a multi-criteria shape design problem considering practical conditions. The structural weight, the displacement at specified points and the induced matrix norm of stiffness matrix are adopted as the evaluation items to be minimized. The heights and widths of cross-section are chosen as the design variables. The design variables are expressed in terms of shape functions based on the Gaussian function. For this multi-objective optimization problem with three items, we utilize a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, that is, the multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO). As a common feature of obtained solutions, the side views are tapered shapes similar to those of actual crane-hook designs. The evaluation item values of the obtained designs demonstrate importance of the present optimization as well as the feasibility of the proposed optimal design approach.