Title: Design of optimum structures for topology using parallel computing
Abstract
Optimization of continuous mechanical structures is very widely employed in industry, as far as the choice of properties of materials, geometrical shape and topology are concerned. Topology optimization of structures addresses the problem of determining the best topology for a given set of load conditions. There are ongoing projects in this area in IIT Delhi, which involves an integrated system involving topology optimization using genetic algorithms and shape optimization using genetic/mathematical programming algorithms. Although these projects have given, good results but they are largely confined to small problems due to limitations of computational power. The present investigation addresses such issues in general and is concerned with the development of a parallel code for Topology optimization problems. The purpose of using parallel computing is to execute a program faster than it executes on a single processor. This has motivated the development of a system through which the process can be parallelized in a multi-processor system. The IBM SP2 machine (12 processors) at the institute is being used for parallel computation and Message Passing Interface (MPI) as the library to carry out the parallelization.
Keywords: Topology, Optimization, Genetic Algorithms, Parallel Processing, Message Passing Interface
Supervisors: Dr C V Ramakrishnan, Applied Mechanics & Dr Kshitij Gupta, Mechanical Engineering both at IIT Delhi
Project Partner: Mr. Amit Kumar Kaushik, Production and Industrial Engineering, IIT Delhi
Title: The Design Analysis Integration of two-dimensional objects
Abstract
Traditionally, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) systems have developed independently. But today, product designers are facing a greater need for an integration between the design and analysis modules. Our aim through this project was to integrate the FEA with CAD systems, to make the operation of FEA package seem invisible to designer. This has been made possible by developing two processors: one which takes designer's query and product information to formulate a FEA pre-processor file, and the second one which analyzes FEA results to find answer for the designer's query.
In this project, Design Analysis Integration has been implemented for 2-Dimensional objects, under plane stress/strain conditions. It is assumed that product design is carried out in AutoCAD environment, and ANSYS is used as backend software for FEA. The programs attempt to demonstrate the feasibility of paradigm of 'capturing the designer's intent, through successive feedbacks. Here, the designer creates an initial design and performs the stress analysis by a single mouse click. He is then provided with an appropriate feedback, without him leaving the design package. In this manner, the designer is able to quickly modify his design and repeatedly perform the analysis till he achieves the 'optimum' design. The tool also enables the designer to experiment with the product design using the 'What-If scenario' type of analysis.
The programs were then specialized for the design of spanners. Here, the designer provides the raw design parameters for spanners (like torque and torque arm), which are then converted into equivalent Finite Element boundary conditions. The programs, developed in LISP and C++, are aimed at making the process of design and analysis designer centric.
Keywords: Computer Aided Design, Finite Element Methods, Design and Analysis Integration, Stress Analysis, Spanners, Automation Analysis
Project Supervisor: Dr P V M Rao, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Delhi
Project Partner: Mr. Apoorv Mathur, Production and Industrial Engineering, IIT Delhi