RULE-BASED SHAPE OPTIMIZATION OF DISKS SUBJECTED TO TRANSIENT THERMOELASTIC LOADING

This study introduces a rule-based geometric approach to the form opti mization of axisymmetric components subjected to transient thermoelast ic loading. A finite element algorithm is used for structural analysis and the computation of objective function and design constraints valu es. To satisfy a prescribed design objective, programmed geometric rul es are used to iteratively modify the shape. The posed optimization pr oblem is the minimization of the component's weight while maintaining the stresses in the structure within allowable limits. A conventional optimization, the penalty function technique, coupled with the finite element algorithm is carried out for comparison. The effects of differ ent loading conditions on component shape and performance are also inv estigated. A weight reduction of up to 57 percent is obtained for the casting shape of the disk. The results show the superiority of the rul e-based approach to mathematical programming techniques. These results are obtained at lower computational costs and with accurate analysis.