Geometrical compatibility in structural shape optimisation for crashworthiness

This paper presents a parametric shape optimisation approach using special parameterisation techniques for shape optimisation of structures with respect to crashworthiness. It is based on SFE CONCEPT which has the ability to modify shape using implicit parameterisation technique and adapt mesh to the new geometry through re-meshing. The success of shape optimisation depends on the type of parameterisation used. It is, therefore, important to choose a set of shape parameters which allow for larger range of shape configurations. However, the difficulty to deal with shape modifications grows with the increasing number of shape variables due to the arising geometrical conflicts. Hence, most shape optimisation studies use limited number of shape variables and also reduced parameter bounds which restrict large shape configurations. Here a new offset mapping technique is used to facilitate the definition of shape parameter conflicts without compromising the design space. To demonstrate this technique, a bumper beam shape optimisation is presented.