Automated design of thin-walled packaging structures

This paper presents an automated method to generate thin-walled packaging structures with reinforcement. This method first obtains a thin-walled design space compose of hexahedral elements, which covers the models to be packaged without undercut effect. After the proper boundary conditions are assigned by designers, topology optimization is applied to identify the optimal placement of reinforcement. This automated method can also be used to generate foam packaging structures. Design examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of this method.     

Optimal riser design in sand casting process by topology optimization with SIMP method I: Poisson approximation of nonlinear heat transfer equation

The optimal design of a casting feeding system is considered. The problem is formulated as the volume constrained topology optimization and is solved with the finite element analysis, explicit design sensitivity, and numerical optimization. In contrast to the traditional topology optimization where the objective function is defined on the design space, in the presented method, the design space is a subset of the complement of the objective function space. To accelerate optimization procedure, the nonlinear unsteady heat transfer equation is approximated with a Poisson-like equation. The feasibility of the presented method is supported with illustrative examples.     

Growth method for size,topology, and geometry optimization of truss structures

The problem of optimally designing the topology of plane trusses has, in most cases, been dealt with as a size problem in which members are eliminated when their size tends to zero. This article presents a novel growth method for the optimal design in a sequential manner of size, geometry, and topology of plane trusses without the need of a ground structure. The method has been applied to single load case problems with stress and size constraints. It works sequentially by adding new joints and members optimally, requiring five basic steps: (1) domain specification, (2) topology and size optimization, (3) geometry optimization, (4) optimality verification, and (5) topology growth. To demonstrate the proposed growth method, three examples were carried out: Michell cantilever, Messerschmidt–Bölkow–Blohm beam, and Michell cantilever with fixed circular boundary. The results obtained with the proposed growth method agree perfectly with the analytical solutions. A Windows XP program, which demonstrates the method, can be downloaded from http://www.upct.es/~deyc/software/tto/.     

Planning rigid body motions using elastic curves

This paper tackles the problem of computing smooth, optimal trajectories on the Euclidean group of motions SE(3). The problem is formulated as an optimal control problem where the cost function to be minimized is equal to the integral of the classical curvature squared. This problem is analogous to the elastic problem from differential geometry and thus the resulting rigid body motions will trace elastic curves. An application of the Maximum Principle to this optimal control problem shifts the emphasis to the language of symplectic geometry and to the associated Hamiltonian formalism. This results in a system of first order differential equations that yield coordinate free necessary conditions for optimality for these curves. From these necessary conditions we identify an integrable case and these particular set of curves are solved analytically. These analytic solutions provide interpolating curves between an initial given position and orientation and a desired position and orientation that would be useful in motion planning for systems such as robotic manipulators and autonomous-oriented vehicles.     

Experimental validation and prototyping of optimum designs obtained from topology optimization

This paper provides, through both numerical analyses and physical tests, a validation of the optimality of structural designs obtained from a topology optimization process. Issues related to the manufacturability of the topology-optimized design are first addressed in order to develop structural specimens suitable for experimental validation. Multidomain and multistep topology optimization techniques are introduced that, by embedding the designer’s intuition and experience into the design process, allow for the simplification of the design layout and thus for a better manufacturability of the design. A boundary identification method is also proposed that is applied to produce a smooth boundary for the design. An STL (STereo Lithography) file is then generated and used as input to a rapid prototyping machine, and physical specimens are fabricated for the experiments. Finally, the experimental measurements are compared with the theoretical and numerical predictions. Results agree extremely well for the example problems considered, and thus the optimum designs pass both virtual and physical tests. It is also shown that the optimum design obtained from topology optimization can be independent of the material used and the dimensions assumed for the structural design problem. This important feature extends the applicability of a single optimum design to a range of different designs of various sizes, and it simplifies the prototyping and experimental validation since small, inexpensive prototypes can be utilized. This could result in significant cost savings when carrying out proof-of-concept in the product development process.     

Maximizing band gaps in plate structures

Band gaps, i.e., frequency ranges in which waves cannot propagate, can be found in elastic structures for which there is a certain periodic modulation of the material properties or structure. In this paper, we maximize the band gap size for bending waves in a Mindlin plate. We analyze an infinite periodic plate using Bloch theory, which conveniently reduces the maximization problem to that of a single base cell. Secondly, we construct a finite periodic plate using a number of the optimized base cells in a postprocessed version. The dynamic properties of the finite plate are investigated theoretically and experimentally and the issue of finite size effects is addressed.     

Optimal topologies for micropolar solids

Micropolar field theory represents an extension of the classical Cauchy continuum theory. In this paper, a topology optimization procedure for maximum stiffness is applied to structural elements made of micropolar (Cosserat) solids. Some special problems are dealt with and particular attention is given to models that refer to structural interfaces. The results are in good agreement with the real behavior of some biological tissues.     

Optimal operation of a continuous DTB crystallizer

The optimal operation of a continuous crystallizer is studied by taking a real industrial scale crystallizer as an example. The objective function to be maximized is the production rate of the crystals which are larger than a certain size. Since continuous crystallizers exhibit sustained oscillation, it is important to find the optimal operation under oscillatory condition. In this study, the optimal operating condition is derived for two types of operation: one is the case where the manipulated variables are kept constant (constant input operation), and the other is the case where the values of manipulated variables are changed periodically (time varying input operation). The optimization result of time varying input operation indicates that the production rate of large crystals can be increased if the number of fine crystals in the vessel is reduced by withdrawing along with the product. Furthermore, this study examines the optimal operation of the crystallizer in the case where the sustained oscillation is eliminated by a stabilizing controller. The optimization result clearly indicates that the production rate of large crystals can be significantly increased if the operation is optimized under the condition where crystal size distribution (CSD) is stabilized.     

On two formulations of an optimal insulation problem

Two formulations for the design of the optimal insulation of a domain are investigated by computational means. The results illustrate the similarities and differences that result from the two approaches. One method is in the format of a topology design problem of distributing insulating material in a domain surrounding a non-design domain that is heated by a given heat source; this problem is treated in both a relaxed format and a penalized material format. The other approach deals with the optimal distribution of a thin layer of insulation on the boundary of the non-design domain; this problem is more in the realm of shape design, or rather, it is similar to optimal design of support conditions for structures. In both cases, mathematical programming is used, but for the shape design case, it is applied to the non-linear analysis problems that arise when the optimal design is explicitly solved for.     

离散系统最速控制综合函数

针对自抗扰控制技术中的fhan()函数,指出其只是离散系统最速控制综合函数的一种简化.详细推导了离散系统真正的最速控制综合函数——fsun(),完善了自抗扰控制技术的理论框架.理论分析和数值仿真表明,采用fsun()函数后的二阶离散系统,状态变量达到稳态时位置和速度曲线均不会出现超调,且达到稳态时所用的步数少于函数fhan().     

Optimal traffic control synthesis for an isolated intersection

A continuous dynamical model of a simplified controlled isolated intersection is derived in order to find and analyze an optimal control policy to minimize total delay. An analytical solution of the optimal control problem with constrained signal light control is presented. The optimal synthesis is found for the four principal control constraint cases. Previous results from the 1960s and 70s are discussed.     

Optimal parametric sensitivity control of a fed-batch reactor

The paper presents an optimal parametric sensitivity controller for estimation of a set of parameters in an experiment. The method is demonstrated for a fed-batch bioreactor case study for optimal estimation of the half-saturation constant K_S and the parameter combination μ_maxX/Y in which μ_max is the maximum specific growth rate, X is the biomass concentration, and Y the yield coefficient. The resulting parametric sensitivity controller for the parameter K_S is utilized in two sequential experiments using a ‘bang-bang-singular’ control strategy. Comparison with an optimal solution for the weighted sum of squared sensitivities for both parameters are compared with the individual cases where only one specific parametric output sensitivity is controlled. The parametric uncertainty is handled in a completely deterministic way as to arrive at a control law that maximizes the parametric output sensitivity.     

Stabilization of geometrically nonlinear topology optimization by the Levenberg–Marquardt method

This paper deals with the design of compliant mechanisms in a continuum-based finite-element representation. Because the displacements of mechanisms are intrinsically large, the geometric nonlinearity is essential for designing such mechanisms. However, the consideration of the geometric nonlinearity may cause some instability in topology optimization. The problem is in the analysis part but not in the optimization part. To alleviate the analysis problem and eventually stabilize the optimization process, this paper proposes to apply the Levenberg–Marquardt method to the nonlinear analysis of compliant mechanisms.     

Optimal dynamic advertising with an adverse exogenous effect on brand goodwill

We propose the model of a firm that advertises a product in a homogeneous market, where a constant exogenous interference is present. Using the framework of Nerlove and Arrow’s advertising model, we assume that the interference acts additively on goodwill production as a negative term. Hence, we allow that the goodwill may become negative and we associate a zero demand with negative goodwill values. We consider a piecewise linear demand function and formulate a nonsmooth optimal-control problem with an infinite horizon. We obtain that an optimal advertising policy exists and takes one of two forms: either a positive and constant advertising effort, or a decreasing effort starting from a positive level and eventually reaching the zero value at a finite exit time. In the former scenario, the demand is always positive and the firm stays in the market in the long run; in the latter, the demand becomes zero in the short run, and afterward, the firm goes out of business. In both cases we have an explicit representation of the optimal control, which is obtained through the study of an auxiliary smooth optimal-control problem. It is interesting that the fundamental choice between staying in the market and going out of business at some time depends both on the interference level and on the initial goodwill level.     

Optimal design of linear control systems by an interactive optimization method

When designing linear control systems, one of the most difficult problems is that the designer almost has no theoretical basis for the determination of proper parameters in order to obtain a system with desired specifications. Poles and directions of eigenvectors in the pole assignment method or weighting matrices of the quadratic criterion function in the optimal regulator method are such parameters. The designer has to determine them by trial-and-error using computer simulation. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach to helping determine proper parameters in linear control system design by the state space methods. In the case where the desired specifications are not given explicitly, the approach applies an interactive optimization method called the Interactive Simplex method to search the most suitable parameters directly in the parameter space. But, if the specifications are given explicitly, the design problem can be formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem. In this case, weights which indicate relative importance of different specifications are introduced and the Interactive Simplex method is applied in the weight space to indirectly find the most appropriate parameters. The approach is implemented as part of a CAD system. The designer has only to make pairwise comparisons of response curves which are shown on a graphics display terminal in order to obtain the most preferred control system. Two illustrative examples are demonstrated to indicate the efficiency of the approach.     

系统辨识的最优输入设计（OID）综述

本文分时域法和频域法综述了动态系统辨识的最优输入设计。首先回顾了最优输入设计的发展历史,接着主要就七十年代末及八十年代的主要研究成果进行了评述。同时,还介绍了最优输入设计的实际应用研究。最后,本文还对今后的发展方向提出了建议。     

Optimal design of plastic cylindrical shells of von Mises material

Optimal design of plastic circular cylindrical shells of von Mises material is studied. The optimization problem is stated as the maximization problem of the load carrying capacity for given weight of the shell. Shells with constant and piecewise-constant thickness are considered. The maximization problem is performed under the requirement that the material volume of the stepped shell is equal to the case of the reference shell of constant thickness. The material of the shell is assumed to be an ideal rigid plastic obeying von Mises yield criterion. The considered nonlinear problems are solved by using the CASes method.     

The optimization paradigm in engineering design: promises and challenges

Formal design optimization involves application of mathematical optimization techniques to models derived from engineering science, often presented as computer simulations. Industry use of design optimization tools is now widespread and sophisticated. As the size and complexity of design problems addressed with these formal methods increase, so do the challenges for successful implementations. Based on the author's experiences, after briefly reviewing the mathematical challenges involved, the article describes several problem areas where optimization technology is likely to have a major impact in the development of improved artifacts in the coming years. These include conceptual and topological design, large complex systems, smart products, and enterprise-wide product design.     

铁水包车多轴转向机构运动学分析与优化

多轴转向车辆转向机构必须协调各转向轮转角,以满足阿克曼转向原理,才能减少轮胎磨损,提高转向性能.建立了液压平板铁水包车多轴转向机构的运动学分析模型,对转向机构进行了运动学分析,分析结果表明该转向机构与阿克曼原理偏差较大.根据阿克曼转向原理和梯形转向机构特点,提出了改进的多轴转向机构方案,新的转向机构优化仿真结果表明,方案能够更好的协调转向轮转角,降低轮胎磨损,改进的转向机构比原转向机构方案能够更好的满足转向原理,结构更加简单.