Improvement of Energy Absorption for the Side Member Using Topography Optimization

This paper describes a design system to optimize the non-linear responses computed from LS-DYNA® using various optimization techniques, especially with large-scale (large number of design variables) optimization, and demonstrates the system as it improves the energy absorption for the side member of the vehicle. The proposed design system uses the equivalent static load (ESL) method, which requires the iterative process of non-linear structural analysis (LS-DYNA) and linear structural optimization (Genesis®). Unlike general-purpose optimization software packages, it does not require many analysis calls when a large number of design variables are used to design a structure. Therefore, non-parametric techniques, such as Topology, Topometry, and Topography optimizations, which often require thousands of design variables, can be easily employed. To demonstrate, the side member of the Dodge Neon was optimized to improve its energy absorption using Topography optimization.