Reliability-based design optimization of knuckle component using conservative method of moving least squares meta-models

This paper discusses reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of an automotive knuckle component under bump and brake loading conditions. The probabilistic design problem is to minimize the weight of a knuckle component subject to stresses, deformations, and frequency constraints in order to meet the given target reliability. The initial design is generated based on an actual vehicle specification. The finite element analysis is conducted using ABAQUS, and the probabilistic optimal solutions are obtained via the moving least squares method (MLSM) in the context of approximate optimization. For the meta-modeling of inequality constraint functions, a constraint-feasible moving least squares method (CF-MLSM) is used in the present study. The method of CF-MLSM based RBDO has been shown to not only ensure constraint feasibility in a case where the meta-model-based RBDO process is employed, but also to require low expense, as compared with both conventional MLSM and non-approximate RBDO methods. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.