The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Semi-automated approach to shape optimal design of planar structures
Author:	Singh, Gurinder Pal
View Online:	njit-etd1994-129 (x, 76 pages ~ 3.8 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Mechanical Engineering
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Sodhi, R. S. (Committee chair) Levy, Nouri (Committee member) Ji, Zhiming (Committee member)
Date:	1994-01
Keywords:	Structural optimization Structural optimization -- Automation Computer-aided design Finite element method
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	This paper presents a general algorithm, using IDEAS programmability features to integrate different phases of shape optimization process. The present work is mainly concentrated on planar structures, defined by thin or shell finite elements. Interactive programs are generated to convert input data to geometric models, to define mesh areas, to generate finite element mesh and to execute adaptive mesh refinement techniques. The importance of automated mesh generation and refinement is highlighted and various optimization methods are considered. Further, a special attention is given to integration issues of shape optimization capabilities into CAD environment. To demonstrate the developed algorithm, an automotive rear suspension torque arm is selected for finite element analysis and shape optimization. The practical example highlights the important features of IDEAS programs and analysis results are explained by plotting stress contours for different steps during the optimization procedure. As a whole, the stress has been given to m develop a general approach, rather than concentrating on specialized areas of shape optimal design process.