Open Collections

Yan, Shengyu

University of British Columbia

Marine vessels need to improve in a number of different ways, which could potentially be fulfilled by using new, advanced structural components. Sandwich structures are currently not used in cargo vessels but can potentially offer improvements in terms of several structural features. Metallic sandwich structures are recyclable and could be incorporated within the surrounding structure usually made from metals. This research focuses on metallic sandwich structures with different core topologies whose natural frequency is maximized using topology and sizing optimization techniques. To connect sandwich structure to the surroundings, a joint connection is optimized using stress-based topology optimization (TO) and compared with previously proposed alternatives. Furthermore, metallic sandwich structures have very thin plates which are laser welded. Since the weld is thinner than the plates, this research investigates the consequence of weld geometrical variation on vibration. Homogenization methods including Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) method and Equivalent Single Layer (ESL) method are utilized to build simplified models and to accelerate computation. Based on the performed optimization, X-core and corrugated core sandwich topologies show the highest efficiency. Additionally, TO provides even better topologies at certain mass levels with non-periodic shapes. The proposed new joints by TO feature 2-3 times smaller maximum stress than the previously proposed joint, even at lower structural weight. Furthermore, weld geometry plays a very important role in the response of laser welded web-core sandwich panels. Weld characteristics should be considered in design and production to ensure the desired natural frequency.

Text; Still Image

2022-12-15

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/83433

Mechanical Engineering

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/