Design modeling for shape optimization

Some important aspects of design modeling for shape optimization are discussed for both stamped sheet metal components and cast solid components. For stamped components the basis for the modeling approach is a boundary design function. Design parameters control the shape of 2-D regions. For more complex, folded plate components, the 2-D regions can be assembled using translation and rotation operations. The analysis model is automatically created using a mesh generation procedure requiring only boundary data. For less complex solid components, it was found that this approach is not suitable. For these structures, the finite element models are typically created using very sophisticated graphical modeling systems. A new approach which overlays a parameterized surface design model on an existing analysis model is described. To summarize, the future needs for solid shape design is described in terms of an extension of the previously described 2-D capability.