The Implementation of the BESO Method for Topology Optimization in ANSYS APDL and its Application for Optimization of the Connecting Rod Shape of a Locomotive Diesel Engine

To increase specific indices of internal combustion piston engines and simultaneously decrease material consumption, a search for optimal parts with regard to mass is required while ensuring the parts’ efficiency. Most of the parts are simultaneously subjected to several loads, variable in magnitude and direction. This complicates the task of finding the optimal shape. At present, the development of automated methods for solving such optimization problems gains importance. The article describes an algorithm for topological optimization using the BESO method implemented in the ANSYS APDL environment. The objective function, limitations and efficiency criteria are defined for optimization of the connecting rod of a locomotive diesel engine. The results demonstrating the application of the developed technique for the search for a new connecting rod design are presented. It is concluded that it is necessary to perform detailed elastohydrodynamic modeling of the journal bearings that makes it possible to introduce a more adequate criterion for evaluating the connecting rod efficiency. Further steps to develop the proposed technique are determined.

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