Structure & materials CAE Optimization

Purpose and goal

The Project has fulfilled the objective to test modern optimization tools for exploring design solutions and to find variants that have lower weight than previous solutions and moreover do so in less time. The aim was to make this both for structural optimization and optimization of materials. The objective to increase the TRL-level in this field, from TRL3 to TRL5 in the context of a new development process that was more explorative in early stages was fulfilled

Expected results and effects

The project´s goal was realized in three practical cases in industrial environments. The goal was to reduce weight, lead time and cost. In two cases, it is very clear that a weight reduction of 50% is achieved. Reduced lead times are difficult to ensure in quantitative metrics but with a qualitative reasoning we can see that considerably shorter lead times are anticipated. Especially in one case, it is completely unrealistic to carry out the same task at the intended time, without the tools used in the project. In this case, where it previously took days it now takes hours to do the same work.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was organized around three case studies in industrial environments at Volvo CC, GKN and ÅF Engineering. Other participants have grouped themselves in the cases studies they could contribute in. Before the cases studies started a survey of the state of practice was done at Volvo CC, GKN and ÅF Engineering to get an idea of the current situation and how these firms wanted to change their processes. Several of the project partners took courses in operating some of the software tools used in the project. Regular meetings were held, as part of monitoring and controlling the project.