Verifying with tests the improved dynamic and passive damping behavior of components - Structural optimization based on bionic principles

摘要

In the automotive industry, the need for affordable lightweight structures rises as new fuel consumption regulations tighten and customers demand for performance increases. One way of achieving a cost-effective and weight-optimal design is by means of structural optimization. In 1991, A. Baumgartner, S. Burkhardt and C. Mattheck published their first paper on topology optimization based on bionic principles. Nature is inevitably dependent on the most efficient use of the body's mass. Using a fully-stressed-method, the original SKO-method is able to optimize engineering components with regard to maximum strength and stiffness. For several years now, the SKO-method has been successfully applied and enhanced for complex structural optimization at the Research & Technology Division of DaimlerChrysler AG. The subject presented in this paper was investigated in cooperation with the Instirut fuer Verbundwerkstoffe GmbH at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern. The aim is to present the new developments concerning the SKO-method. Starting with a short introduction to the original SKO-method, the newly implemented FreedOpt (Frequency and Damping Oprimization) module is explained afterwards. FreedOpt can tune natural frequencies to a desired level. In cases were the tuning of frequencies is not sufficient, damping is needed. The new module is able to optimize the utilization of damping material with a new approach based on maximizing the dissipated vibration energy. The mam focus of the paper is on the verification of the simulation results with physical tests. Finally, the new tool is applied to automotive parts. Concluding, the authors give an outlook for future work.