Design consideration of a mechanical structure with geometric and material non-linearities

Abstract

This paper presents an optimization design process for mechanical structures with geometric and material non-linearities. The mean compliance of the structure is chosen as the objective function and a non-linear solution is iteratively found by the Newton-Raphson method and sequential quadratic programming (SQP). To correct design variables, a fully stressed design method is used. Non-linear strength analysis of an automotive component is completed by simulation to validate the non-linear optimization process.