Isogeometric Topology Optimization (ITO) of Gear Tooth
摘要
Gears are vital components in power transmission systems, yet limited research has been conducted on their topology optimization. This work explores the optimization of gear teeth using Isogeometric Topology Optimization (ITO), which integrates Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) with topology optimization to determine optimal material distribution within a design domain. IGA, using Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS), offers an exact geometric representation compared to traditional FEA, enhancing accuracy and continuity. In this work, compliance minimization of gear tooth is done to find out optimal material distribution for different volume fractions. Topology optimization is done using (SIMP) model and Optimality Criterion (OC) algorithm. Symmetry boundary conditions were enforced about the mid-axis of the gear tooth, with the root of the tooth fixed and a load applied at the highest point of tooth contact (HPTC). Result demonstrated the variation of compliance with each iteration of the optimization process, presented with different volume fraction data. The results demonstrate that as the volume fraction increased, compliance decreased, improving structural efficiency, though at the cost of higher computation time and iteration count.