Comparative study of approximate optimization techniques in CAE-based structural design

The comparative study of regression-model-based approximate optimization techniques used in the strength design of an automotive knuckle component that will be under bump and brake loading conditions is carried out. The design problem is formulated such that the cross-sectional sizing variables are determined by minimizing the weight of the knuckle component that is subjected to stresses, deformations, and vibration frequency constraints. The techniques used in the comparative study are sequential approximate optimization (SAO), sequential two-point diagonal quadratic approximate optimization (STDQAO), and approximate optimization based on enhanced moving least squares method (MLSM), such as CF (constraint feasible)-MLSM and Post-MLSM. Commercial process integration and design optimization (PIDO) tools are utilized for the application of SAO and STDQAO. The enhanced MLSM-based approximate optimization techniques are newly developed to ensure constraint feasibility. The results of the approximate optimization techniques are compared with those of actual non-approximate optimization to evaluate their numerical performances.