DefinePK

Abstract

In this paper, the design optimization of gear casing is performed by reducing the weight and retaining its original stiffness and natural frequencies simultaneously. Through finite element modeling, these multi objectives are achieved in two methods: topology optimization and shape optimization. In first method, displacements and natural frequencies of baseline values are considered as constraints and the optimum weight reduction is analyzed. Later, the dimensional regions to be optimized are identified. With L9 orthogonal array, the dimensions are varied at these regions by morphing technique, and respective multiple performance characteristics are measured. Taguchi method based grey analysis, which uses grey relational grade as performance index, is specifically adopted to determine the optimal combinations of dimensions. Principal component analysis is applied to evaluate the weights so that their relative significance can be described properly to convert these multiple performance characteristics into a single objective grey relational grade. Confirmation analysis to the optimized design is performed and the resulted frequency and stiffness are compared with baseline values. The results show that grey relational analysis coupled with principal component analysis can effectively acquire the optimal combination of design parameters and the proposed approach can be a useful tool to perform the shape optimization efficiently.