Optimal design of flexible mechanisms using a generalized equivalent static load method

The equivalent static load (ESL) method is a powerful approach to solve dynamic response structural optimization problems. The method transforms the dynamic response optimization into a static response optimization under multiple load cases. The ESLs are defined based on the transient analysis response whereupon all the standard techniques of static response optimization can be used. In the last decade, the ESL method has been applied to perform structural optimization of flexible components of mechanical systems modeled as multibody systems. This method considers the optimization of isolated component during the static response optimization. The present research proposes a generalized ESL method accounting for the entire system during the static response optimization, which enables to formulate the constraints with respect to the mechanism and not restricted to the individual components. The proposed method relies on a Lie group formalism which has appealing properties to derive efficiently the ESL. Examples validate the method.