A Shape Determination Method for Forged Products in Consideration of Shape Complexity

Abstract

In general, the structural shape optimization method based on fully stressed design gives us a solution in which the shape complexity may cause difficulty in manufacture. The present paper proposes a novel approach to the determination of moderately complex shapes that satisfy the requirement for light weight, high stiffness and sufficient strength. There are two original ideas in this method. One is for the clear definition of shape complexity: A new parameter CD (curvature deviation) which represents the degree of structural shape complexity is proposed. The second is a method for deriving moderately complex shapes that satisfy the requirement for light weight, high stiffness and strength. A smoother shape is derived by an evolutional change of the CD, while a structural shape is obtained by an iterative change of an allowable stress region. The proposed method has been verified by applying it to the design of a hook.