Layered Composite Shape Optimization for Automotive Body Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optimization technologies struggle to effectively optimize the shape of layered composite members in automotive bodies, particularly those made of resin and fiber-reinforced plastics, as they fail to consider the load and constraint states from the entire body, leading to unnecessary part deletion and inadequate reflection of optimized shapes in thin sheet structures.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for layered-composite-member shape optimization analysis that sets a design space, generates a layered block model with different material properties, connects it to the structural body model, and performs optimization analysis to determine an optimum shape using two- and three-dimensional elements, with coupling methods like rigid elements or shared nodal points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional optimization technologies are applied to optimize the shape of layered composite members, then weight reduction can be achieved, but the load and constraint states from the entire body cannot be reflected, leading to unnecessary part deletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optimization of layered composite members with the overall structural analysis of the automotive body. By integrating the layered composite member into the complete structural model and performing optimization based on the entire body's load and constraint states, the solution ensures that weight reduction does not compromise structural reliability or cause unnecessary part deletion.
2Productivity
If independent optimization is performed on a part of the automotive body, then optimization can be conducted without affecting the entire body, but the optimized shape cannot be appropriately reflected to the thin sheet structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automotive body into manageable parts while maintaining connection to the overall structure. By allowing independent optimization of specific parts while keeping them integrated with the thin sheet structure through shared nodes and elements, the solution achieves both optimization efficiency and accurate shape reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the thin sheet structure itself as an intermediary that connects the optimized part to the rest of the automotive body. This intermediary maintains the structural integrity and ensures that the optimized shape is appropriately reflected throughout the entire body while allowing independent optimization of target parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If topology optimization is applied to determine an optimum shape, then mathematical optimization can be performed, but the method directly applies constraint on three-dimensional elements which does not suit thin sheet structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different modeling approaches to different parts of the structure. For thin sheet structures, it uses two-dimensional elements with appropriate thickness representations, while maintaining the ability to perform mathematical optimization. This local quality approach allows topology optimization to be adapted to thin sheet structures without directly applying three-dimensional element constraints.
Data Source
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AI summary
A layered-composite-member shape optimization analysis method according to the present invention produces, with a layered composite member, a model of part of an automotive body model including a two-dimensional element and/or a three-dimensional element, and performs optimization analysis on the shape of the layered composite member of the produced model. The method includes: a design space setting step S1 of setting, as a design space, an optimization target part of the automotive body model; a layered block model generating step S3 of generating, in the design space, a layered block model that includes a three-dimensional element and in which a plurality of layers having material properties different from each other are stacked; a connection processing step S5 of connecting the layered block model to the automotive body model; and an optimization analysis step S7 of inputting an analysis condition and performing optimization analysis that determines an optimum shape of the layered block model.