Column press design optimization on the basis of stress-strain state’s mathematical modeling

Abstract

The problem of optimizing the design of vertical column press traverse according to the metal consumption criterion is taken into consideration. As a limitation, the maximum value of equivalent stresses in the volume of the traverse was used. It is shown that the methods of parametric and topological optimization are ineffective for solving the optimization problem. A mathematical model of the stress-strain state of the traverse is proposed, which allows carrying out simulation independently from other elements of the press. The finite element analysis of the existing structure of the traverse revealed the redundancy of the loaded elements amplification, as well as the low manufacturability of the structure. The method of expert analysis was used to find the optimal design. The effect of the thickness of the base of the traverse on the resulting equivalent stresses was studied. A new design of the traverse was proposed on the base of the study results. That design is characterized by low metal capacity and high manufacturability. It is found that the maximum stresses occur in the areas of rapid changes in shape, as well as in the areas of loads.