Lightweight Optimization for Engine Hood Based on Forward Design

The load path and main section is constructed based on forward design. The hood inner plate is set as weight reduction object. The main load path is obtained by topology optimization. And the finite element model is reset based on topology optimized model. Then the parametric hood is established based on the reset finite element model. The main sections of strengthening rib and frame are set as design variables. There are 10 design variables in the engine hood optimization. The samples are generated by Optimal Latin hypercube design (Opt LHD). The surrogate model is constructed by Radial Basis Function (RBF). The optimized solution is obtained by Non - Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II). Forward design could obtain the reasonable load path and main section structure. Therefore, the optimization solution has better lightweight effect. After forward design, the mass of engine hood inner plate reduce 0.585 kg, the lightweight rate as high as 9.16%. The bend stiffness, torsion stiffness, lateral stiffness and corner stiffness of optimized engine hood satisfy objectives.