Title: A note on shape optimisation of dissipation elements

Authors: E. Kirchner

Addresses: Opel Powertrain GmbH, Design, Record & Release, CAE-Applications, IPC 81–31, 65423 Russelsheim, Germany.

Abstract: This paper addresses the shape optimisation problem for inelastic structures undergoing large deformations with special emphasis on the dissipated energy. For the optimisation, an objective function is defined accounting for both finite elastic and plastic strains and measuring the plastically dissipated effect by integral expressions over the reference configuration of the body and its loading time. The associated sensitivity analysis accounts for the objective function and the history dependent stress field. The algorithmic aspects of the sensitivity analysis are discussed briefly, details are either straightforward or given in the referenced literature. An overview of analogies to motivate the design description approach is given for motivating purposes. To demonstrate the applicability of the theory and the capability of the respective algorithm, an example with a strong focus on applications in optimisation of inelastic structures under crash-like deformations is given.

Keywords: finite deformation plasticity; frictionless contact; shape optimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2002.002025

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2002 Vol.30 No.1/2, pp.44-66

Published online: 15 Aug 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article