Ground Beam-Joint Topology Optimization for Design and Assembly of Multi-Piece Frame Structures

그라운드 빔 조인트 기반 위상최적화법을 이용한 프레임 구조물의 조립 위치 및 강도 설정

Most frame structures cannot be manufactured in a single-piece form. Ideally, when a structure is built up by assembling multi pieces, assembly at the joints should be rigidly performed enough to have almost full stiffness, which is difficult for practical reasons such as manufacturing cost and time. In this research, we aim to develop a manufacturability-oriented compliance-minimizing topology optimization using a ground beam model incorporating additional zero-length elastic joint elements. In the present formulation, design variables control the stiffness of zero-length elastic joints, not the stiffness of beams. Because joint stiffness values at the converged state can be utilized to select candidate assembly locations and their strengths, the technique is extremely useful to design multi-piece frame structures. An optimal layout is also extracted based on the stiffness values.