FE-DESIGN GmbH - Application Details

Optimization of a camshaft absorber considering non linear rubber materials

Customer request

Assembly openings had to be added to an existing design of a camshaft absorber. The new design should have the same torsional stiffness and should not increase the stresses of the reference design.

Our solution: Topology optimization, shape optimization

Starting with the reference design TOSCA Structure.topology first determined an optimal cross section. In a subsequent shape optimization with TOSCA Structure.shape details of the preoptimized cross section were improved and the contour of the manually added assembly openings were optimizated. During the complete optimization process hyperelastic material for the rubber metal part and demoldability in axial direction were considered

Benefit for the customer

The first prototype fulfilled all requirements regarding to stiffness and durability and even exceeded the lifetime of the reference part without openings. The use of user defined materials in combination with approved solver technology directly in the optimization ensured high result quality and firstly rendered optimization of elastomeric parts possible. Thus durability of rubber parts could be significantly increased. Savings in prototyping and testing through reliable designs accelerated the product development cycle significantly.