Thammasat International Journal of Sciences and Technology

Cholaseuk, D., Optimum Design of Disk Structure under Planar Loads,Thammasat International Journal of Sciences and Technology, Vol. 18, No. 4, October-December 2013

Abstract
Disk structures under planar loads are commonly found in machines, such as disk brakes, automobile wheels, gears, etc. Weight reduction of such parts reduces inertia of the systems which helps in improving overall performance of the machines. In this research, a numerical method employing a stress-based material distribution scheme is utilized in the design of disk structures. During the process, stress distribution is calculated by finite element method. Then, elements with low stress are successively removed. The iteration process continues until the optimum topology is revealed. It is observed that the optimum topology follows the pattern of the corresponding principal stress trajectories. The resulting designs for different conditions provide a basic guideline for the optimum topology which can serve as a starting point for creating solid models for optimum shape design of disk structures.