J4 ›› 2016, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (2): 344-354.doi: 10.1016/S1672-6529(16)60307-4

• 论文 • 上一篇    

Automated Layout Design of Stiffened Container Structures Based on the Morphology of Plant Ramifications

Baotong Li1, Suna Yan1, Qiyin Lin2   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
    2. State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Fuli School of Food Equipment Engineering and Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
  • 收稿日期:2015-09-15 修回日期:2016-03-15 出版日期:2016-04-10 发布日期:2016-04-10
  • 通讯作者: Qiyin Lin E-mail:linqiyin@mail.xjtu.edu.cn
  • 作者简介:Baotong Li1, Suna Yan1, Qiyin Lin2

Automated Layout Design of Stiffened Container Structures Based on the Morphology of Plant Ramifications

Baotong Li1, Suna Yan1, Qiyin Lin2   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
    2. State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Fuli School of Food Equipment Engineering and Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
  • Received:2015-09-15 Revised:2016-03-15 Online:2016-04-10 Published:2016-04-10
  • Contact: Qiyin Lin E-mail:linqiyin@mail.xjtu.edu.cn
  • About author:Baotong Li1, Suna Yan1, Qiyin Lin2

摘要:

This study proposes a new topology optimization solution providing designers with choices for feasible stiffener layouts inside large-scale containers of garbage trucks. Firstly, the mathematical expressions of loading conditions inside garbage containers are derived. Then, a growth-based layout optimization framework is built, taking inspiration from the morphology of plant ramifications. The principles of the highly effective but individual design rules of existent leaf venation layout problems are explored and transferred into analytical laws. Based on this, an evolutionary algorithm is developed to simulate the load-adapted growth of stiffener layouts, which provides an approximately homogeneous stress distribution along the surface of self-optimizing structures. Unlike the conventional methods, the new approach needs neither the densest ground structure nor the modification of the existing finite element programs, it is fast, easy to apply and nearly constraint free. Finally, a case study is provided showing how a large-scale container structure can be designed by this extremely intelligent CAD approach.

关键词: automated layout design, topology optimization, bionic design, evolutionary algorithm, stiffened container

Abstract:

This study proposes a new topology optimization solution providing designers with choices for feasible stiffener layouts inside large-scale containers of garbage trucks. Firstly, the mathematical expressions of loading conditions inside garbage containers are derived. Then, a growth-based layout optimization framework is built, taking inspiration from the morphology of plant ramifications. The principles of the highly effective but individual design rules of existent leaf venation layout problems are explored and transferred into analytical laws. Based on this, an evolutionary algorithm is developed to simulate the load-adapted growth of stiffener layouts, which provides an approximately homogeneous stress distribution along the surface of self-optimizing structures. Unlike the conventional methods, the new approach needs neither the densest ground structure nor the modification of the existing finite element programs, it is fast, easy to apply and nearly constraint free. Finally, a case study is provided showing how a large-scale container structure can be designed by this extremely intelligent CAD approach.

Key words: automated layout design, topology optimization, bionic design, evolutionary algorithm, stiffened container