Study of modular design method for frame structure utilizing Design Structure Matrix

Abstract

In general, it is mechanically important to exclude areas with high loads as module boundaries because the module boundaries, which are component boundaries, are places that contribute to stiffness and strength. In conventional modularization, the integration of parts for productivity and cost reduction has been the mainstream and the viewpoint regarding the reduction of mechanical properties against module boundaries have not been sufficiently considered. Additionally, module candidates are extracted only from the geometric connecting information of parts. In this study, we propose a modular design method of frame structure that suppresses the decrease of mechanical performances by using DSM (Design Structure Matrix) analysis. Finite element meshes with a unit smaller than the existing parts are considered as a part, which enables precise extraction of module boundaries. Furthermore, this method adds to the DSM not only connecting information but also physical indicators of strain energy or von mises stress, and extracts module boundaries where DSM connecting strength and load state is low using spectral clustering based on graph theory. In the example of a simple frame structure, it was shown that module boundaries can be extracted in areas of low load and modularization is possible without reducing mechanical performances such as stiffness.