Nimrod: a tool for performing parametrised simulations using distributed workstations
HPDC '95 Proceedings of the 4th IEEE International Symposium on High Performance Distributed Computing
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The structural optimisation procedure proposed integrates 3D geometrical modelling, structural analysis and optimization into one complete and automated computer-aided design process. This approach includes the implementation of the generalised Frost-Dugdale model, in which recent observation has revealed a near log-linear relationship between natural log of the crack length and the fatigue life for crack growth lengths as small as a few microns. Consequently, design against fatigue failure can include the analysis of near-threshold crack propagation, i.e. growth in the low-to-mid stress intensity factor range. The research presented here uses the generalised Frost-Dugdale model in a 3D numerical fatigue based optimisation study of a 7050-T7451 Aluminium structure. Two types of optimisation techniques were considered for this investigation; a gradient-less based and an enumeration scheme. The enumeration scheme takes advantage of a cluster computer architecture to produce a solution space. As a result, this procedure illustrates that for the design of light weight structures, a fatigue based optimisation used in conjunction with visualisation of the solution space may provide a viable design methodology. Furthermore, the possibility of the application of the Generalised Frost-Dugdale model in design optimisation has been demonstrated. This procedure has the potential to be applied to structures with complex structural configurations taking into account crack propagation in the near-threshold region.