Structural Design Optimization Research Articles

Design and performance evaluation of a spiral bar precision weeding mechanism for corn fields.

This paper focuses on addressing the limitations of existing mechanical weeding methods for corn plants by introducing a spiral tendon-type precision weeding device specifically designed for corn fields. The study encompasses mechanical design and theoretical analysis to determine the overall structure, component parts, application scenarios, operation modes, and working principles of the device. The force applied to the spiral tendon weeding cutter head, a crucial working component of the device, is analyzed, along with its motion characteristics. This analysis allows for the calculation of the force required for the spiral tendon to penetrate the soil, as well as the determination of its trajectory and speed in the soil. The desired motion pattern of the weeding cutter head is considered in determining the contour shape of the inner cylinder track and its cooperation mode with the roller follower. Furthermore, the design and optimization of the circulation groove track are conducted to derive the key parameters of the track. A prototype is then constructed based on the proposed structural design and parameter optimization scheme. Soil bin tests are performed to evaluate the device's performance. The optimal combinations of working parameters are determined as follows: a 70-mm depth of the weeding cutter head into the soil, a movement speed of 80mm/s, and an output thrust of the electric actuator of 180N. Under these conditions, the device achieves a weed removal rate exceeding 95% with a 3% wounding rate, demonstrating stable operational performance.

Employing topology optimization method to create optimum telecommunication tower design structure

Recently, the employment of topology optimization (TO) in structural engineering design has gained a significant structural performance, also, TO is employed by designers for developing aesthetically and efficient buildings. In this work, TO is employed to design novel and rigged structures of communication towers. The way that the TO algorithm works is to intelligently create the 3D model by preserving architectural features with tradeoffs between the stiffness and weight ratio. The present work focuses on the investigation of creating optimal self-supported communication towers. Results concerning the prime observation of optimization analyses and the potential benefits of TO in designing telecommunication tower lattices are drawn.

Optimization Design of Hull Compartment Structure Based on 3D Modeling

Optimization Design of Hull Compartment Structure Based on 3D Modeling

Application of a novel metaheuristic algorithm inspired by connected banking system in truss size and layout optimum design problems and optimization problems

Optimum design of truss structures can be a challenging and difficult field of study specially if an optimum design problem is comprised of continuous and discrete decision variables such as in truss size and layout optimization problems. Usually metaheuristic approaches are selected to solve these kind of problems and there are many different metaheuristic methods that have been used in dealing with truss optimization problems, which provide optimum solutions for those problems. However, among these various proposed metaheuristics, it is very seldom to face and find a method that is based on technologies such as computer networks. This paper aims to utilize a metaheuristic algorithm which is based on some principals of connected banking systems, which is called the Connected Banking System Optimizer(CBSO) algorithm. The performance of the CBSO is tested against three benchmark truss size/layout optimum design problems namely 15, 18 and 25 bar truss structures. Besides the truss size/layout problems, CEC-BC-2017 test functions with ten dimensions and also three other constrained optimum design problems are also investigated to examine the performance of the CBSO in dealing with these standard unconstrained and constrained test functions. The results of the CBSO optimum designs are presented and compared with some of the available studies in the literature. Statistical analyses are done to have a fair evaluation of the CBSO algorithm’s efficiency and its ability in dealing with the benchmark truss size/layout optimization problems. The CBSO outperforms its rivals and presents lighter weight truss structures. There is no need for configuration of extra parameters in the CBSO algorithm when solving the examined benchmark truss structures, which makes it a robust parameter-free optimization algorithm.

Enabling Efficient Oxygen Evolution via Anchoring Carbon-Layer-Confined RuOx on a Well-Matched Substrate.

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a multistep proton-coupled four-electron process with sluggish kinetics, which seriously limits the hydrogen production efficiency, thus it is of great importance to develop an efficient and stable OER catalyst. In this study, a two-step differential pyrolysis strategy is employed to design a three-dimensional porous microstructured material consisting of RuOx nanoparticles coated by a thin-layer carbon, where the active particles were isolated in separate chambers and the RuOx nanoparticles mainly existed in the form of a heterogeneous interface between RuO2 and partial metallic Ru. The preparation parameters of the catalysts are optimized via combining transient and steady-state polarization properties, and the target catalyst Cat-500-1.5t shows the best OER catalytic performance after ca. 60 h of a chronopotentiometry test in an acidic medium with a much smaller performance change than other samples. The unique design of adopting a carbon layer to form separate reaction chambers largely mitigates the excessive oxidation loss of the active components under strong oxidation potential. The suitability of the catalyst with the loaded substrate and test media is explored, and in an acidic medium, the carbon paper is much better than the titanium fiber, while in an alkaline medium, the titanium fiber is obviously superior to the carbon paper. On both carbon paper and titanium fiber, the performance in an alkaline medium outperforms that in an acidic medium, and the possible reasons for the performance difference are analyzed. Herein, to obtain the actual electrocatalytic performance, the optimal design of the catalyst structure and matching suitable conductive substrate in a specific medium are quite necessary, which provides a feasible strategy for the acquisition of efficient and stable electrocatalysts and the desirable presentation of performance.

Enhanced Electromagnetic Wave Absorption in Hexaferrite/LSMO Bilayers: Optimization of Structural Design Using a High Frequency Software Simulation

In this study, the electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption properties of a two-layered structure composed of La<sub>0.7</sub>Sr<sub>0.3</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub>-epoxy (10 wt.%) (LSMO) and SrFe<sub>9.5</sub>Co<sub>1.25</sub>Ti<sub>1.25</sub>O<sub>19</sub>-epoxy (10 wt.%) (SFCTO), both exhibiting distinct high-frequency magnetic and dielectric properties, were investigated using a High Frequency Simulation Software (HFSS) simulation tool. LSMO had a high dielectric constant (ε' >30) within the measurement range (0.1-18 GHz), indicating that dielectric loss mechanisms primarily contribute to EM wave absorption. In contrast, SFCTO is a material capable of significantly absorbing EM waves near 10 GHz due to ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). The simulations were validated by comparing the measured and simulated reflection losses (RL) of an unpatterned LSMO/SFCTO bilayer. The RL spectra were examined by varying the layer thickness and pattern size in three configurations: a continuous LSMO/SFCTO structure, a cross-patterned LSMO on SFCTO, and a square-patterned LSMO on SFCTO. In the continuous LSMO/SFCTO structure, tunable absorption frequency bands were achieved by adjusting the layer thickness. However, it was difficult to achieve broadband absorption due to the reflective characteristics of the high dielectric LSMO layer. The cross-patterned LSMO structure on SFCTO demonstrated broader bandwidth absorption, with layer thickness being more influential than pattern width. The square-patterned LSMO on SFCTO exhibited the best broadband EM wave absorption (max Δ<i>f</i> = 7.39 GHz). These results suggest that broader absorption is achievable by partially covering the high-dielectric layer with patterns on a hexaferrite sheet.

Tuned African Vultures Optimization Algorithm for Optimal Design of Skeletal Structures Employing Multi-Stage Parameter Adjustment

Tuned African Vultures Optimization Algorithm for Optimal Design of Skeletal Structures Employing Multi-Stage Parameter Adjustment

Optimization and Structural Analysis of Automotive Battery Packs Using ANSYS

The development of new energy vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, is robust, with the power battery pack being a core component of the battery system, playing a vital role in the vehicle’s range and safety. This study takes the battery pack of an electric vehicle as a subject, employing advanced three-dimensional modeling technology to conduct static and dynamic analyses. Through weight reduction and structural optimization, an innovative power battery pack design scheme is proposed, aiming to achieve a more efficient and lighter electric vehicle power system. The main research tasks are as follows: Firstly, we designed the main load-bearing components of a certain electric vehicle’s power battery pack and established a three-dimensional (3D) model. Then, the model was simplified according to the actual stress conditions of the power battery pack of the electric vehicle and imported into finite element analysis (FEA) software. Next, based on the fundamental principles of the finite element method (FEM), we conducted static analyses under three conditions: bumpy road sharp left turn, bumpy road sharp right turn, and bumpy road emergency braking. The analysis results indicate that the strength of the battery pack meets the allowable requirements, suggesting that the lower housing design has significant redundancy, providing guidance for subsequent optimization. Finally, through modal analysis, we extracted the first six modes of the power battery box, with the first mode frequency being 33.69 Hz. This suggests that the battery pack may experience resonance during actual operation. Based on the static and modal analysis results, we proposed a structural optimization and lightweight design solution for a certain electric vehicle battery pack and compared it with the pre-optimization data.

Uniform multiple laminates interpolation model and design method for double–double laminates based on multi-material topology optimization

Double–Double (DD) laminates, incorporating a repetition of sub-plies featuring two groups of balanced angles, offer broad design flexibility together with the ease of design and manufacturing. In this work, a novel optimization design method is proposed for DD composite laminates based on multi-material topology optimization. First, the uniform multiple laminates interpolation (UMLI) model is proposed to describe the certainty of the stacking direction in multi-layer composite structures, inspired by the interpolation model in multi-material topology optimization. Specifically, the stiffness matrices of all alternative angle combinations of laminates are interpolated to form virtual laminates. The UMLI model eliminates the need for adding interlayer constraints during the optimization process. Then, the optimization problem is defined to minimize the compliance of the composite structures and is solved using the gradient-based optimization algorithm. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the design of the composite stiffened panel, the composite Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) wing, and the rear fuselage. The results demonstrate that the UMLI model and proposed optimization method have considerable potential in the angle optimization design of multi-layer structures.

Reliability-based multi-objective optimization design of composite patch repair structure using artificial neural networks

Due to the parameter differences and the existence of random factors, the performance of composite repair structure shows a large dispersion. In order to obtain stronger, lighter and more reliable repair structure, multi-objective optimization design of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) laminate repair structure is investigated by combining the reliability theory, artificial neural networks and the genetic algorithm. First, a 3D simulation model of the composite laminate patch repair structures is established using the 3D Hashin criterion and the cohesive region model. Then, the Latin Hypercube sampling (LHS) method is used to realize the random sampling, and the strength proxy model of the repair structure is established by using Back-propagation artificial neural network, further a multi-objective optimization model with tensile strength, reliability and weight as objective functions is built considering the design parameters and the random parameters. Finally, NSGAⅡalgorithm is used to solve the multi-objective optimization problem, and a set of solutions on the Pareto front surface are obtained, also the optimal design parameters of the composite repair structure meets the requirements is obtained.

Fuselage panel structural-acoustic optimization design of civil aircraft based on numerical analysis

Abstract During the design process of civil aircraft, it is necessary to achieve a high level of cabin noise control to improve cabin comfort. In addition to controlling the intensity of the main noise sources that affect the acoustic environment in the cabin, the acoustic optimization design of the fuselage wall panel structure is also required. In this paper, acoustic analysis software ACTRAN is applied to study the acoustic characteristics of typical structures of civil aircraft cabins. Boundary conditions, material density, and material damping are analyzed from the following main aspects: fuselage panels, thickness, density, reinforced frame design, etc., to study the acoustic barrier performance of typical fuselage panel structures, put forward design suggestions for fuselage panels, and guide the acoustic optimization design of civil aircraft structures.

Dynamic optimization design of thin plate structure based on surrogate model

Abstract To enhance dynamic optimization efficiency in traditional thin plate structures, surrogate models are integrated for structural dynamic size optimization, reducing dependence on high-precision finite element simulations. This paper focuses on optimizing the aluminum alloy sheet as the subject of research. The parameters of the specimen are optimized through sensitivity analysis, based on the comparison between the free mode Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) results. The modified specimen undergoes validation under a four-edge clamped boundary condition. Subsequently, random vibration analysis is conducted to determine the root mean square (RMS) value of the acceleration response. Employing surrogate model technology, four models are constructed using parametric modeling and experimental design methods. These models are then compared for their fitting effectiveness. The results indicate that the RBF model exhibits the highest accuracy in fitting each response, effectively replacing dynamic simulation. Finally, the RBF combined with the NSGA-II method, optimizes the specimen’s structural size, resulting in a 21.6% reduction in mass and an 18.60% decrease in acceleration response. These outcomes demonstrate satisfactory optimization results, ensuring accuracy while enhancing the dynamic characteristics of the specimen structure. This research offers valuable insights for related engineering applications.

Optimization of Composite Wheel Fender for Manned Lunar Vehicle

Abstract Weight reduction is the eternal theme of aerospace optimization. In the process of weight reduction, the main ways are material change, structural change, and processing method change. In the process of aerospace structure design, the boundary and load conditions are more complicated, which restricts the development of optimization technology in the aerospace field to some extent. At present, the research object of optimization technology in the aerospace field is mainly the large parts of the aerospace craft, and the structural optimization of small aerospace parts is rarely involved. Therefore, the research of structural optimization design method has important theoretical and engineering significance. A complete optimization design process is proposed, the structural performance of aviation products is simulated by finite element software, and the feasibility of the optimization theory is verified. This article mainly compares several schemes for weight reduction design of composite material wheel fenders in the process of design.

Exploring Evolutionary Algorithms for Multi-Objective Optimization in Seismic Structural Design

The seismic design of structures is an emerging practice in earthquake-resistant construction. Therefore, using energy-dissipation devices and optimizing these devices for various purposes are important. Evolutionary computation, nature-inspired, and meta-heuristic algorithms have been studied more in recent years for the optimization of these devices. In this study, the development of evolutionary algorithms for seismic design in the context of multi-objective optimization is examined through bibliometric analysis. In particular, evolutionary algorithms such as genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization are used to optimize the performance of structures to meet seismic loads. While genetic algorithms are used to improve both the cost and seismic performance of the structure, particle swarm optimization is used to optimize the vibration and displacement performance of structures. In this study, a bibliometric analysis of 661 publications is performed on the Web of Science and Scopus databases and on how the research in this field has developed since 1986. The R-studio program with the biblioshiny package is used for the analyses. The increase in studies on the optimization of energy dissipation devices in recent years reveals the effectiveness of evolutionary algorithms in this field.

Optimal design of AM support structures for EDM removal from build plate

Optimal design of AM support structures for EDM removal from build plate

The Development and Prospect of Stable Polyanion Compound Cathodes in LIBs and Promising Complementers.

Cathode materials are usually the key to determining battery capacity, suitable cathode materials are an important prerequisite to meet the needs of large-scale energy storage systems in the future. Polyanionic compounds have significant advantages in metal ion storage, such as high operating voltage, excellent structural stability, safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness, and can be excellent cathode options for rechargeable metal-ion batteries. Although some polyanionic compounds have been commercialized, there are still some shortcomings in electronic conductivity, reversible specific capacity, and rate performance, which obviously limits the development of polyanionic compound cathodes in large-scale energy storage systems. Up to now, many strategies including structural design, ion doping, surface coating, and electrolyte optimization have been explored to improve the above defects. Based on the above contents, this paper briefly reviews the research progress and optimization strategies of typical polyanionic compound cathodes in the fields of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and other promising metal ion batteries (sodium ion batteries (SIBs), potassium ion batteries (PIBs), magnesium ion batteries (MIBs), calcium ion batteries (CIBs), zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), aluminum ion batteries (AIBs), etc.), aiming to provide a valuable reference for accelerating the commercial application of polyanionic compound cathodes in rechargeable battery systems.

Structural design of a balanced cone-spherical fiber-reinforced rubber hose

This article focuses on the optimal structural design of a balanced cone-spherical fibre-reinforced rubber hose (RH). Combined with deformation characteristics of the conical RH, the cone-spherical RH is improved based on the spherical RH. Then the mechanical model of balance performance, stiffness and burst pressure for the cone-spherical RH is constructed. The structural optimization design of double cone-spherical RHs is conducted to further reduce the stiffness of the RH. The model is applied to large-sized RH. Eventually, in the optimization case of this article, the double cone arc-shaped structure has the smallest stiffness. Compared to existing single curved RHs, the stiffness has been reduced by 53%. The correctness of the theoretical model is verified through experiments.

Improved Monte Carlo tree search formulation with multiple root nodes for discrete sizing optimization of truss structures

This article proposes a novel reinforcement learning algorithm using an improved Monte Carlo tree search (IMCTS) formulation for the discrete optimum design of truss structures. IMCTS with multiple root nodes includes the update process, best reward, accelerating technique and terminal condition. The update process means that once a final solution is found, it is used as the initial solution for the next search tree. The best reward is used in the backpropagation step. The accelerating technique is introduced by decreasing the width of the search tree and reducing the maximum number of iterations. The agent is trained to minimize the total structural weight under various constraints until the terminal condition is satisfied. The optimal solution is the minimum value of all solutions found by the search trees. Numerical examples show that the agent can find the optimal solution with low computational cost, stably produces an optimal design, and is suitable for multi-objective structural optimization and large-scale structures.

A Review of Seismic Optimization Design of Building Structures with Uniform Response

Earthquakes threaten human survival with powerful destructive power, and the performance of buildings in earthquakes is crucial. The seismic design of traditional building structures has the limitations of non-uniform response to displacement and acceleration, which can easily lead to partial damage to the building, unreasonable structure and difficulty in post-earthquake repair, which seriously affects the comfort and safety of the building. It is emphasized that improving the seismic safety of buildings is not only an inevitable requirement to ensure the safety of people's lives, but also to meet people's needs for continuous improvement of building comfort. The review shows that it is of great practical significance to study the seismic optimization design method of building structures with uniform response, which provides an important reference direction for the future design of building structures.

Parameter optimization design of the helmet liner structure for mitigating traumatic brain injury under impact loading

Abstract Helmets play a crucial role in protecting motorcycle riders during two-wheeler accidents by reducing the risk of head injuries. This study investigated the complex interplay between the density, Poisson’s ratio, and Young’s modulus of a helmet liner and their impact on biomechanical factors contributing to traumatic brain injury during collisions. A validated finite element model of a 50th percentile detailed human head was initially used, followed by the development of a coupled helmet head model for collision simulations. The accuracy of the model was assessed by comparing the center-of-mass acceleration data of the head with the experimental results. This study analyzed the von Mises stress, skull stress, and intracranial pressure, and the results revealed patterns in stress distribution and the potential for cranial and brain injuries. Stress concentrations were observed in the cervical region before the impact, characterized by compressive stress on the impacted side and tensile stress on the opposite side, with peak stress levels found in the temporal bone base and frontal bone. After the impact, brain inertia–driven movements can further increase the risk of traumatic brain injury. The study found a positive correlation between liner density and center-of-mass acceleration of the head in the absence of bottoming out of the liner. By optimizing the liner properties, the study achieved a 4.5% reduction in head acceleration, a 10.1% decrease in skull stress, and a 19.8% reduction in intracranial pressure. These findings offer valuable insights for biomechanical research on head injuries caused by traffic accidents and for improving helmet designs to enhance protective measures.