Abstract
Free-size optimization is an effective method for determining the optimal thickness of the elements in a finite element model given a set of constraints and objectives. This work aims to show that size optimization can be used as a tool to reduce the structural vibrations transmitted from non-structural components on-board an aircraft into the cabin. A test structure of a hydraulic pump support frame is analyzed using a frequency response analysis. The output velocity is measured for three independent dynamic input loads across a 20–4000 Hz bandwidth. The maximum frequency response velocity for each input load was used to define the upper bounds of the velocity for the optimized model. The design space had a minimum thickness equal to the original thickness and a maximum thickness of 1.5 times the original thickness. The objective was to determine the optimal locations for new material to be added, so that the original design was not significantly changed. This was done to ensure the structural integrity of the frame and increase the ease of implementing the design while still reducing the transmission of structural vibrations. The optimized model showed an average reduction of 6% in the maximum frequency response velocity for the three loading directions, while increasing the mass by 9%.
