Title: Discrete optimisation of a gear train using biogeography based optimisation technique

Authors: V.J. Savsani, R.V. Rao, D.P. Vakharia

Addresses: S.V. National Institute of Technology, Ichchanath, Surat, Gujarat – 395 007, India. ' S.V. National Institute of Technology, Ichchanath, Surat, Gujarat – 395 007, India. ' S.V. National Institute of Technology, Ichchanath, Surat, Gujarat – 395 007, India

Abstract: In this paper, a new global optimisation algorithm, biogeography based optimisation (BBO), for solving discrete optimisation of a gear train is presented. The efficiency and ease of application of the proposed optimisation algorithm is demonstrated by solving a discrete optimisation problem of a four stage gear train from the literature. The objective considered is minimisation of weight. Eighty six inequality constraints are considered which include, bending fatigue strength, contact strength, contact ratio, pinion/gear size, housing size, pitch for gears and kinematic constraints. Twenty two discrete design variables are considered in the optimisation. Design modification is done to reduce the design variables which include two different designs with 18 and 14 design variables. The results of the proposed method are compared with the results obtained by using other optimisation methods such as genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimisation (PSO), and differential evolution (DE). The solution obtained by using BBO is superior to those obtained by using other optimisation techniques.

Keywords: discrete optimisation; biogeography based optimisation; BBO; particle swarm optimisation; PSO; differential evolution; GAs; genetic algorithms; gear train design; mechanical design; design engineering; design variables.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDE.2009.028652

International Journal of Design Engineering, 2009 Vol.2 No.2, pp.205 - 223

Published online: 21 Sep 2009 *

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