Design optimization for passive adaptive structural networks

Abstract

The increasing interest in mechanical systems exhibiting enhanced vibration control and shock mitigation characteristics has motivated the study of novel design approaches for the synthesis of scalable systems with passive adaptive dynamic characteristics. In this article, we present a modular design concept to synthesize passive adaptive structures having concurrent high stiffness and high damping capabilities. The goal of this concept is to select linear and nonlinear structural constitutive elements from a predefined set and interconnect them depending on the overall scale and static/dynamic characteristics requested to the final structural assembly. To achieve this goal, an optimization design tool based on the genetic algorithm is developed. The design optimization problems are formulated with both single- and multi-objective functions subject to design constraints on both stiffness and damping characteristics. Using the predefined set of constitutive elements, this design tool synthesizes optimal structural networks in order to meet prescribed structural and damping requirements while exhibiting dynamic characteristics that passively adapt to variable external loading conditions.