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This paper focuses on the optimization of a linear actuator by the “output space mapping (OSM)” method. The underlying objective of this work lies in the minimization of the time required for the achievement of this optimal design. Indeed, in addition to the sole costs of optimization processes strictly speaking, the time needed for the developpement of the models is taken into account. In the context of OSM, two different finite-element models of the same actuator are used. This paper presents these modeling solutions and considers their corresponding accuracy. Results of this multi-objective optimization method are presented and compared with those obtained by the sequential simplex (SS) method based solely on the fine model. Both approaches give similar results. However, the comparison of their performances clearly shows that the OSM algorithm is an effective technique for reducing the computation time of optimization studies, even in the case of relatively simple electromagnetic structures. Hence, this approach leads to an original and effective optimization methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Integrated design of the structure topology and involved component layout is a challenging design issue when compared with traditional topology optimization. In this paper, we propose an implicit modeling approach that works completely on an Eulerian finite element mesh throughout the whole optimization process. To this aim, implicit level-set functions and R-functions are employed to describe geometrical shapes of movable components. In particular, a modified arctan function is adopted to depict the material discontinuity along the interface between the structure domain and each component domain. They are then used for material interpolations and analytical sensitivity analysis w.r.t. both pseudo-density design variables and location design variables related to the host structure and components, respectively. Based on a variety of numerical tests, it is demonstrated that considered design problems with movable components can easily be solved by extending the SIMP material model based topology optimization approach using an Eulerian mesh and the gradient-based optimization algorithm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an improved ant colony optimization (IACO) for the design of planar steel frames. The algorithm consists of two phases: the global search phase and the local search phase. In the global search phase, IACO employs a sub-optimization mechanism (SOM) based on the principles of finite element methods to reduce the search space, the size of the trail matrix, the number of analyses and consequently the optimization time. In the local search phase, a final optimum design is obtained considering W-shaped sections from the available steel sections specified by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) in the neighborhood of the result gained in the previous phase. The proposed method is tested on several frames from the literature. In order to verify the suitability of the present method, the results of optimum design for several planar steel frames are obtained by the present study and compared to those of the standard ant colony optimization, the genetic algorithm and the harmony search algorithm. The results indicate that the computational time required for the improved ant colony optimization is considerably reduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]