USE OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR THE DESIGN OF ROTORS

The problem of finding an optimum shape for rotating discs is a classi cal one and has received considerable attention; in the present paper an attempt to use genetic algorithms is described. The problem of find ing the constant stress profile by using genetic algorithms is tackled , firstly using the well known results of conventional methods. The pr oblem of optimizing the shape of pierced discs is then attempted with results which are affected by strong stress concentrations, owing to s implifying assumptions in the stress analysis implicit in the so-calle d disc theory. This drawback is exactly the same which limits the usef ulness of conventional solutions. In order to overcome this problem, p articular formulations of the fitness function aimed to discourage sha pes leading to strong stress concentrations are introduced, showing th at profiles which lead to very favourable stress patterns when analyse d using tridimensional methods can be obtained even with an optimizati on procedure essentially based on the disc theory. A profile of a disc flywheel with the rim and hub obtained using the genetic approach sho ws the results which can be obtained using this optimization technique .