Structure Optimization Design for Brake Drum Based on Response Surface Methodology

Taking a brake drum as the research object, the finite element method is used to analyze the dynamic characteristics and optimize its design. In order to increase the stiffness without increasing the weight of the brake drum, the main design parameters are tested by Box-Behnken experiment design. A three-dimensional model of the brake drum is established by using SolidWorks software, and then the finite element model of brake drum is imported into ANSYS software to perform modal analysis. On the basis of modal analysis, three important dimensions of the brake drum are defined as the input parameters, and the drum weight, the first, second and third natural frequencies are defined as the output parameters. The response surface model between the input and output parameters is established by using DOE (Design of Experiment). Finally, the input parameters are optimized by multi-objective genetic algorithm and five Pare solutions are obtained. The fifth solution is chosen as the optimal solution based on the production technique. The weight of the brake drum does not change obviously after optimization, but the first, second and third natural frequencies increases by 13.07 %, 8.92 % and 12.73 % respectively, which provides a new idea for the design and optimization of brake drum.