Location optimization of interchangeable parts in sheet metal assembly

Abstract

Stiffened panel is a kind of structure that is widely used in aviation manufacturing. Some sheet metal parts in the structure have three characteristics: place-interchangeable, large quantity and stochastic variation caused by spring back or distortion in manufacturing process, which prominently impacts the assembly variation. In order to minimize the influence and improve the assembly quality of stiffened panel, a model based on flexible beam is established and a simplified and approximate assembly variation prediction method is obtained. Furthermore, for the interchangeable sheet metal parts, the assembly location optimization method based on the algorithm of perfect match of weighted complete bipartite graph is proposed. At last, case study on a fuselage panel assembly is implemented. The finite element analysis results show the reliability of the simplified variation prediction method and the necessity of assembly location optimization.