Minimum weight

About: Minimum weight is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2002 publications have been published within this topic receiving 28244 citations.

Application of optimization techniques to weight reduction of automobile bodies

Abstract: In order to find the optimum design which ensures a high quality and a light weight at the same time, it is necessary ot have effective prediction methods at the design stage. Described here is an application of structural optimization using FEM (Finite Element Method) to obtain design information for minimum weight. This paper also proposes the utilization of Design of Experiment in structural optimization for more efficient analysis.

Optimum Number of Webs Required for a Multicell Box Under Bending

Abstract: In multicell construction that may be used on the wing and tail surfaces of high-speed aircraft, the relatiyely thick compression surface is stabilized by a series of webs. I t is necessary to determine the correct combination of number of webs and compression cover thickness which will result in the design of minimum weight. Theoretical results are obtained in which the optimum number of webs is determined to be a function of only the structural thickness ratio. Nondimensional design charts are presented from which optimum conditions can be obtained. In addition to optimum conditions, an investigation was made to determine the weight penalty involved in using a number of webs other than optimum. I t was found that for a slight weight penalty it is possible to reduce the number of webs required and still maintain an efficient design.

Optimum plastic design of a portal frame for alternative loads.

Abstract: : Minimum-weight design of a portal frame for alternative combinations of horizontal and vertical loads is discussed. It is shown that the usual proof of the existence of a Foulkes mechanism as a necessary condition for minimum weight cannot be carried over to this problem. (Author)

Graph based discrete optimization in structural dynamics

Abstract: In this study, a relatively simple method of discrete structural optimization with dynamic loads is presented. It is based on a tree graph, representing discrete values of the structural weight. In practical design, the number of such values may be very large. This is because they are equal to the combination numbers, arising from numbers of structural members and prefabricated elements. The starting point of the method is the weight obtained from continuous optimization, which is assumed to be the lower bound of all possible discrete weights. Applying the graph, it is possible to find a set of weights close to the continuous solution. The smallest of these values, fulfilling constraints, is assumed to be the discrete minimum weight solution. Constraints can be imposed on stresses, displacements and accelerations. The short outline of the method is presented in Sec. 2. The idea of discrete structural optimization by means of graphs. The knowledge needed to apply the method is limited to the FEM and graph representation. The paper is illustrated with two examples. The first one deals with a transmission tower subjected to stochastic wind loading. The second one with a composite floor subjected to deterministic dynamic forces, coming from the synchronized crowd activities, like dance or aerobic.