Modelling of contact between stiff bodies in automotive transmission systems

in Fisette, Paul; Samin, Jean-Claude (Eds.) Multibody Dynamics: Computational Methods and Applications (2013)

Many transmission components contain moving parts, which can come into in contact. For example, the TORSEN differentials aremainly composed of gear pairs and thrust washers. The friction involved by ... [more ▼]

Many transmission components contain moving parts, which can come into in contact. For example, the TORSEN differentials aremainly composed of gear pairs and thrust washers. The friction involved by contacts between these two parts is essential in the working principle of such differentials. In this chapter, two different contact models are presented and exploited for the modelling of differentials. The former uses an augmented Lagrangian technique or a penalty method and is defined between two flexible bodies or between a rigid body and a flexible structure. The second contact formulation is a continuous impact modelling based on a restitution coefficient. [less ▲]

Investigations on a Level Set based approach for the optimization of flexible components in multibody systems with a fixed mesh grid

in Proceedings of The 6th Asian Conference on Multibody Dynamics: Shanghai (China), 26-30 aout 2012 (2012, August)

This paper considers the optimization of flexible components in mechanical systems thanks to a "fully integrated" optimization method which includes a flexible multibody system simulation based on ... [more ▼]

This paper considers the optimization of flexible components in mechanical systems thanks to a "fully integrated" optimization method which includes a flexible multibody system simulation based on nonlinear finite elements. This approach permits to better capture the effects of dynamic loading under service conditions. This process is challenging because most state-of-the-art studies in structural optimization have been conducted under (quasi-)static loading conditions or vibration design criteria and also because this ``fully integrated" optimization method is not a simple extension of static optimization techniques. The present paper proposes an approach based on a Level Set description of the geometry. This method leads to an intermediate level between shape and topology optimizations. Gradient-based optimization methods are adopted for their convergence speed. Numerical applications are conducted on the optimization of a connecting rod of a reciprocating engine with cyclic dynamic loading to show the feasibility and the promising results of this approach. [less ▲]

A level set approach for the optimal design of flexible components in multibody systems

Conference (2012, February 29)

Optimization of flexible components in reciprocating engines with cyclic dynamic loading

in Samin, Jean-Claude; Fisette, Paul (Eds.) Proceedings of Multibody Dynamics 2011, Eccomas Thematic Conference: Brussels (Belgium), 4-7 juillet 2011 (2011, July 05)

This work considers the optimization of flexible components of mechanical systems modeled as multibody systems. This approach permits to better capture the effects of dynamic loading under service ... [more ▼]

This work considers the optimization of flexible components of mechanical systems modeled as multibody systems. This approach permits to better capture the effects of dynamic loading under service conditions. This process is challenging because most state-of-the-art studies in structural optimization have been conducted under static or quasi-static conditions. The formulation of the optimization problem for dynamic systems is fundamental; it is not a simple extension of static optimization. Naive implementation leads to fragile and unstable results. The present paper addresses the optimization of a connecting rod of a reciprocating engine with cyclic dynamic loading. Gradient-based methods are adopted for their convergence speed. Different formulations are investigated and compared. A first numerical application considers the optimization of the connecting rod regarding its mass and its elongation. After, another numerical application is carried on considering the stresses in the connecting rod. A conclusion on the influence of the optimization problem formulation is realized. [less ▲]