Structural Shape Optimisation (SSO)

When designing any structural/mechanical part, we must analyse it to ensure that it does not fail under the loading for which it is intended. Finite element analysis is a powerful tool to this end, and is becoming more prevalent as a day to day option within the engineering community.

Beyond the aspiration of accurate analysis is the concept of an optimal design. An example might be a turbine blade, where the designer wants to minimise the weight while still meeting the analysis criteria. Obviously, three dimensional structures are generally so complex that this process would normally require repeated redesign and analysis until many possibilities have been investigated. Given that this process is time consuming (and thus, expensive) it is beyond the scope of most studies.

KES Ltd. is involved in an ongoing project to develop technology for full 3D SSO based on research undertaken by Dr. Denis Kelliher and the RUSO group in University College Cork. The advantage of our approach is that the designer need only define a basic shape in terms of parameters (e.g. edge lengths, radii, etc.) and provide an initial design. From there, the software analyses the object and alters the parameters automatically, producing new designs until the shape has been optimised (e.g. weight minimised).

No matter what industry you are in, it is clear that shape optimization throughout the design cycle will help you save both time and money. This is because it reduces development costs through:

· Reducing the number of physical prototypes necessary.

· Shortening development time & costs.

· Reducing manufacturing costs (by reducing the material cost).

Examples of the application of this powerful technology are:

Hollow Pipe,
Deep Beam,
Fan Disk,
Turbine Disk.

For a list of publications we have published on this topic see here.

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