Computational synthesis of wheel-based mechanisms via shape and topology optimization

Several wheel-barrow mechanisms were synthesized from first principles using a topology optimization method. First, a shape optimization problem was formulated in order to generate a wheel geometry that minimizes work done while rolling over terrain. Flat and sinusoidal ground profiles were considered, resulting in approximations to a circle and ellipse, respectively, as expected by an analytical solution. These optimal shapes then supplied a slate of contact points for a multi-load multi-layer mass minimization problem, subject to compliance constraints, which created a wheel-barrow system. Finally, the shape and topology regimes were optimized simultaneously, in an integrated multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) framework. In all cases, analytically-derived sensitivities were supplied to the Method of Moving Asymptotes (MMA) optimizer routine.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2021

Author dc:creator

• Kelley, Patrick Louis

Contributors dc:contributor

• James, Kai A

• topology optimization
• wheel design
• structural design

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2021 Patrick Kelley

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/110590

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/110590