• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.715-725
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• 2018

Truss-Z (TZ) is an Extremely Modular System (EMS). Such systems allow for creation of structurally sound free-form structures, are comprised of as few types of modules as possible, and are not constrained by a regular tessellation of space. Their objective is to create spatial structures in given environments connecting given terminals without self-intersections and obstacle-intersections. TZ is a skeletal modular system for creating free-form pedestrian ramps and ramp networks. The previous research on TZ focused on global discrete geometric optimization of the spatial configuration of modules. This paper reports on the first attempts at structural optimization of the module for a single-branch TZ. The internal topology and the sizing of module beams are subject to optimization. An important challenge is that the module is to be universal: it must be designed for the worst case scenario, as defined by the module position within a TZ branch and the geometric configuration of the branch itself. There are four variations of each module, and the number of unique TZ configurations grows exponentially with the branch length. The aim is to obtain minimum-mass modules with the von Mises equivalent stress constrained under certain design load. The resulting modules are further evaluated also in terms of the typical structural criterion of compliance.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2007.04a
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• pp.145-150
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• 2007

The spacer grid set is a component in the nuclear fuel assembly. The set supports the fuel rods saftely. Therefore, the spacer gl1d set should have sufficient strength for the external impact forces. The fretting wear occurs between the spring of the fuel rod and the spacer grid due to tile flow-induced vibration. The conceptual design of the spacer grid set is performed based on the Independence Axiom of axiomatic design. Two functional requirements are defined and corresponding design parameters are selected. The overall flow of the design is defined according to the application of axiomatic design. The design for the impact load is carried out by using nonlinear dynamic analysis to determine the length of the dimple. Topology optimization is carried out to determine a new configuration of the spring. The fretting wear is reduced by shape optimization using the homology theory. In the design to reduce the fretting wear, the deformed shape of the spring should be the same as that of the fuel rod. This condition is transformed to a function and considered as a constraint in the shape optimization process. The fretting wear is expected to be reduced due to the homology constraint. The objective function is minimizing the maximum stress to allow a slight plastic deformation. Shape optimization results are confirmed through nonlinear static analysis because the contact area becomes wider.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.31 no.10
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• pp.999-1008
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• 2007

The spacer grid set is a component in the nuclear fuel assembly. The set supports the fuel rods safely. Therefore, the spacer grid set should have sufficient strength for the external impact forces such as earthquake. The fretting wear occurs between the spring of the fuel rod and the spacer grid due to flow-induced vibration. Conceptual design of the spacer grid set is performed based on the Independence Axiom of axiomatic design. Two functional requirements are defined for the impact load and the fretting wear, and corresponding design parameters are selected. The overall flow of design is defined according to the application of axiomatic design. Design for the impact load is carried out by using nonlinear dynamic analysis to determine the length of the dimple. Topology optimization is carried out to determine a new configuration of the spring. The fretting wear is reduced by shape optimization using the homology theory. The deformation of a structure is called homologous if a given geometrical relationship holds before, during, and after the deformation. In the design to reduce the fretting wear, the deformed shape of the spring should be the same as that of the fuel rod. This condition is transformed to a function and considered as a constraint in the shape optimization process. The fretting wear is expected to be reduced due to the homology constraint. The objective function is minimizing the maximum stress to allow a slight plastic deformation. Shape optimization results are confirmed through nonlinear static analysis.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.441-449
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• 2015

In this paper we perform a linearized buckling analysis using the Kirchhoff plate theory and the von Karman nonlinear strain-displacement relation. Design sensitivity analysis(DSA) expressions for plane elasticity and buckling problems are derived with respect to Young's modulus and thickness. Using the design sensitivity, we can formulate the topology optimization method for minimizing the compliance and maximizing eigenvalues. We develop a topology optimization method applicable to plate buckling problems using the prestress for buckling analysis. Since the prestress is needed to assemble the stress matrix for buckling problem using the von Karman nonlinear strain, we introduced out-of-plane motion. The design variables are parameterized into normalized bulk material densities. The objective functions are the minimum compliance and the maximum eigenvalues and the constraint is the allowable volume. Through several numerical examples, the developed DSA method is verified to yield very accurate sensitivity results compared with the finite difference ones and the topology optimization yields physically meaningful results.