Abstract
Structural optimization of a typical locomotive carbody subjected to various operational loads is investigated using a simultaneous topology and size optimization approach. The proposed approach builds on a string representation of the structure in which the presence or absence of a structural element between specific nodes, as well as its cross-section, are represented by integers. Strings representing various structure topologies are then evolved according to a modified Genetic algorithm with improved genetic operators. The efficiency of the proposed model is verified through applying it to optimize the carbody structure of ER24PC locomotive. Operational load cases and performance criteria are adopted from the European standard EN12663. It is shown that the results based on the present optimal design have higher safety factors compared to the original design without a significant increase in weight. Besides, the computational cost of the optimization process is shown to be considerably less than that of the classical binary Genetic algorithm.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.