Rearsch On Theory Of Structural Topology Optimization And Its Application In Automotive Cradle Design

Currently, the research on continuum topology optimization and its application is oneof major concerned topics, especially its application in vehicle structural optimum designfield promises immensely economic benefit. This paper mainly focuses on the topologyoptimization theory and its application, which include modeling of the formulation ofcontinuum topology optimization, reasons for over-averaging phenomenon in the results oftopology optimization, control of gray element, the engineering constraint technique fortopology optimization, the application of quantum-behaved particle swarm optimizationalgorithm in topology optimization and continuum structures parametric topologyoptimization method. Finally, the topology optimization method is introduced to the designof chassis component, which will accomplish opium and lightweight of the vehiclestructure.The mainly content of this paper are listed as the following:1、The systematic research on the theory of continuum topology optimization, thefurther discussion of mathematic formulation of topology optimization with minimizecompliance objective and the solution of the topology optimization based on Optimalitycriteria (OC) algorithm are given in this paper. Besides, the methods and effect regardinggray-elements control are also presented via beta function and new interpolation ofstiffness-density.2、 Because the complicated results of conventional topology optimization anengineering constraint method is developed, which main idea is to adopt appropriatemapping function according to the design requirement and application background toupdate sensitivities of elements. This heuristic approach will obtain good design andmanufacturing feature in topology optimization results, to overcome the instability ofmultiple load cases topology optimization and objective function vibration of dynamictopology optimization.3、The quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) is first introduced intocontinuum topology optimization due to its global convergence; several numericalexamples are presented to illustrate the validity of this method based on QPSO algorithmand the optimization flow is also given out.4、In order to maximize the effect of topology optimization technique in structural optimization, a continuum structures parametric topology optimization method is presentbased on QPSO and OC Algorithm. The topology optimization of numerical example usingthis new method was carried out, which imply that this result is better than traditionalapproach regarding structural stiffness and possess good applicability in other filed.Finally, based on the topological theory research above, topology optimizationtechnique is applied to design front cradle and rear cross member in chassis structure. Thepractical application in vehicle engineering is further studied, which illustrate this techniquewill improve structural performance, save project time, decrease design risk and canachieve light-weight purpose.