Thermal Shape Vectors in Finite Element Shape Optimization of a Steering Knuckle

Abstract

The application of shape optimization using shape vectors, generated by thermal loading, has been presented. A steering knuckle is to be redesigned for weight reduction. Since it is not uniform in shape, it is very cumbersome to use traditional loads and/or displacement methods to generate shape vectors. So different regions of the steering knuckle are subjected to thermal loads independently, and the resulting displacements are used as shape vectors. Shape optimization is performed in MSC/NASTRAN using ‘Direct Linearization’ method. Design directions have been obtained to reduce its weight by 7.6%. In conclusion, thermal displacements can be used in shape optimization of a steering knuckle.