Optimization of Engineering Components with the SKO Method

In this publication, we want to present two examples to demonstrate how the SKO method can be used in practice. The SKO method is a tool for topological optimization and is based on the simulation of biological load carriers.

The first example is an engine bracket which had to be optimized to reduce the maximum von Mises stress by a factor of at least 60%. The initial design of the bracket was a u-profile with some ribs inside. In the first step the arrangement of the ribs was optimized, which led to a stress reduction of 20 %. In the second step the cross section was optimized, leading to the desired overall stress reduction of 60%. Furthermore, the weight of the optimized design was reduced by nearly 25 % in comparison to the initial design. In the second example, the SKO method is used to create holes in the spoke region of a wheel-rim. The resulting new spoke design has a weight reduction of 26 % in this region in comparison with a production rim.