The Layout Optimization for Axial Stiffness of a Flexplate Disk with Weight and Inertial Moment Constraints

Abstract

A flexplate is a mechanical component that couples the crankshaft to the torque converter of a car with automatic transmission. A higher axial stiffness is one of significant requirements for it in order to ensure its performance. In this paper an optimum design of the flexplate disk is described that maximizes the axial stiffness of the flexplate disk with weight and inertial moment constraints. The strategy for optimizing the layout of the disk is to perform topology optimization first then position optimization. The relation is presented which shows the variation of axial stiffness with respect to changes of the number, shape and position of the holes on the flexplate disk. The research shows that the shape of the hole punched on the disk does not affect the axial stiffness greatly. Thus, the manufacturing cost should be considered first in the optimum design of the flexplate disk