Achieving Optimal Stiffness of Planar Multilink Mechanisms Structure by Members Shape Modification

Abstract

FE stress and strain simulations (in the remaining text FEA), for shape optimisation, of individual parts or assemblies are widely used. FEA should simulate either real load conditions (if possible), either load conditions applied during lab.-testing (which is much more often situation in automotive industry). FEAs are shortening shape optimisation duration, but if one tries to achieve absolutely credible simulation of physical load condition, FEA can be relatively long lasting, too [1]. In the present paper is shown an example of shape optimization for stiffness improvement for multilink automotive Bonnet Hinges. There are shown objective reasons why it is very difficult, longlasting and resource consuming to perform accurate FEA for specific assembly and given Load Case. Here one initial design (physically available) was chosen. Simplified/fast FEA for initial design have been performed. Comparing initial design FEA result, experimental measurement result and goal value, reference value for FEA have been obtained. Hinges design have been varied, fast FEA for each variation have been performed, until reference value is reached. Procedure defined has resulted in a successfully optimized design.