Topological Optimization Method for Aeronautical Thin-Walled Component Fixture Locating Layout

Fixture locating layout has a direct and influential impact on aeronautical thin-walled component (ATWC) manufacturing quality. The purpose is to develop a topological optimization method for ATWC fixture locating layout to minimize the manufacturing deformation. Firstly, a topological optimization model that takes the stiffness of ATWC as the objective function and the volume of the locating structure as the constraint is established. Secondly, ATWC and the locating structure are regarded as an integrated entity, and the variable-density method based topological optimization approach is adopted for the optimization of the locating structure using ABAQUS topology optimization module (ATOM). Thirdly, through a subsequent model reconstruction referring to the obtained topological structure, the optimal fixture locating layout is achieved. Finally, a case study is conducted to verify the proposed method and the comparison results with firefly algorithm (FA) coupled with finite element analysis (FEA) indicate that the number and positions of the locators for ATWC can be optimized simultaneously and successfully by the proposed topological optimization model.