Topology Optimization of the Inner Reinforcement for a Vehicle’s Hood Using Evolutionary Procedure

Topology optimization of the inner reinforcement for a vehicle’s hood has been performed by evolutionary structural optimization (ESO) method. The purpose of this study is to obtain optimal topology of the inner reinforcement for a vehicle’s hood considering static stiffness and natural frequency simultaneously. To do this, the multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) technique was implemented. From several combinations of weighting factors, a Pareto-optimal solution was obtained. Optimal topologies were obtained by the ESO method, i.e., by eliminating the elements having the lowest efficiency from the structural domain. Topology optimization for a static stiffness problem has been accomplished by removing the element having the lowest efficiency measured by the elastic strain energy efficiency factor. Likewise, topology optimization for a natural frequency problem has been performed by eliminating the elements having the lowest efficiency measured by the natural frequency efficiency factor. As the weighting factor for natural frequency goes from zero to 1, it was found that the optimal topology transitions from the optimal topology of the static stiffness problem to that of the natural frequency problem. Therefore, it was concluded that the ESO method can be effectively applied to topology optimization of the inner reinforcement of a vehicle’s hood.Copyright © 2005 by ASME