Gaussian Layer Connectivity Parameterization: A New Approach to Topology Optimization of Multi-Body Mechanisms. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swartz, Kenneth E.; James, Kai A.
• Is Part Of: Computer aided design. Volume 115(2019)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Topology optimization -- Multi-body mechanism design -- Nonlinear finite element analysis -- Adjoint sensitivity analysis; Computer-aided design -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; Conception technique -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Infographie -- Périodiques; Computer graphics; Engineering design -- Data processing; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.00420285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cad.2019.05.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-4485

Abstract

Abstract: Topology optimization is extended to the design of multi-body mechanisms. A Gaussian function is used to parameterize the location of inter-body connections, thereby enabling the optimization of both mass distribution and inter-body connectivity simultaneously. The potential for large rigid-body rotation necessitates the use of a geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis to properly model mechanism response. The unknown displacement field is calculated with a Newton–Raphson iterative scheme. An adjoint analysis is performed to efficiently compute the design sensitivities used in the gradient-based optimization procedure. The proposed technique is demonstrated on the design of multi-body grippers and force/displacement inverters. Highlights: We propose a topology optimization method for design of multi-body mechanisms. We introduce a novel Gaussian formulation to parameterize the inter-body connectivity. The mechanisms are modeled using geometrically nonlinear finite elements analysis. We implement adjoint sensitivity analysis to guide the gradient-based optimization. We present results for several example problems including multi-body gripper design.