Feature-Based Optimization of Beam Structures Represented by Polygonal Meshes

Abstract

In this paper, a new shape optimization approach, feature-based optimization of beam structures, is proposed to provide an efficient optimization solution of beam components in complex mechanical structures represented by polygonal meshes. Our approach consists of two main steps: 1) feature recognition of beam components: 2) gradient-based shape optimization of these components by reducing a weighted compliance among all load cases. The main contribution is to propose a new scheme to automate time-consuming shape optimization processes on polygonal meshes with beam components. Numerical experiments have been conducted and the results indicate the effectiveness of the approach.