ROpt of a welded link


Geometry of the optimised link. The entire FE-model including loads and boundary conditions was imported into ROpt. The fork end of the link where parametrisized using eleven independent shape variables and six more controlled the ring end. An extensive amount of stress constraints were used in weld areas to control the optimisation and keep stresses within allowed limits. Linked design variables were used to maintain constant element size around the crack tip.
The optimisation gave the following results:
- -10% weight reduction of the complete link
- 0% stress increase in fatigue critical areas of fork end
- -8% delta Keff (SIF) in root crack of ring end