Layout Design of Stiffened Plates for Large-Scale Box Structure under Moving Loads Based on Topology Optimization

Abstract

As the main load-bearing structure of heavy machine tools, cranes, and other high-end equipment, the large-scale box structures usually bear moving loads, and the results of direct topology optimization usually have some problems: the load transfer skeleton is difficult to identify and all working conditions are difficult to consider comprehensively. In this paper, a layout design method of stiffened plates for the large-scale box structures under moving loads based on multiworking-condition topology optimization is proposed. Based on the equivalent principle of force, the box structures are simplified into the main bending functional section, main torsional functional section, and auxiliary functional section by the magnitude of loads and moments, which can reduce the structural dimension and complexity in topology optimization. Then, the moving loads are simplified to some multiple position loads, and the comprehensive evaluation function is constructed by the compromise programming method. The mathematical model of multiworking-condition topology optimization is established to optimize the functional sections. Taking a crossbeam of superheavy turning and milling machining center as an example, optimization results show that the stiffness and strength of the crossbeam are increased by 17.39% and 19.9%, respectively, while the weight is reduced by 12.57%. It shows that the method proposed in this paper has better practicability and effectiveness for large-scale box structures.