Stiffness Equivalent Finite Element Modelling of a Physical Assembly by Structural Optimization Method

In this study, stiffness equivalent finite element modelling (EFEM) technique of a physical assembly which has several detailed electronic, mechanic and hydraulic parts is presented. Physical assembly can be evaluated as a subsystem. Outer geometry of the detailed subsystem is meshed by shell elements. Beam elements, of which cross sectional dimensions are found by structural optimization, are used at the inner section of the subsystem. To reach structural integrity, beam elements are connected to the outer shell with rigid elements. The deflection results of the detailed finite element model (DFEM) which is constructed by 3D solid elements are investigated under unit force laterally. The deflection results are defined as objective function in structural optimization of the EFEM. Design parameters are selected as rectangular cross section dimensions of the beam elements. The deflection results of the EFEM with optimized beam cross sections and DFEM indicate good agreement. Moreover EFEM is computationally efficient for the deflection analysis. It is shown that EFEM solution time is % 1 of the DFEM.