The research and implementation of rule-based layout optimization of highly complex crash structures is carried out with several publicly and industrially funded projects. In the DFG project "Development of a material model suitable for optimization for automated topology and shape finding of crash structures made of thermoplastic fiber-plastic composites", graphene and heuristic-based topology optimization for use with structures made of fiber composites is being researched together with the Institute for Composite Materials at the University of Kaiserslautern. Many research projects carried out within the framework of a closed cooperation agreement with Volkswagen AG support the further development of GHT.
The basic idea of the method is the use of heuristics that concertedly find optimal layouts with mathematical optimization methods. For example, the heuristic "support of rapidly deformed walls" can be mentioned, which improves the topology of the structure with respect to global buckling. For this purpose, numerous heuristics have been developed at the chair during the last years and integrated into the optimization procedure. Figure 1 shows the standard sequence of the nested optimization loops of the GHT.
This type of approach in structural optimization is illustrated by an application example (Fig. 2) of the combined shape and topology optimization of an aluminum sill. The objective is thus to reduce the maximum force on a penetrating pile (Fig. 2-a), taking into account selected restrictions (penetration depth, the mass and manufacturing requirements). Figure 2-d shows the large improvement towards a uniform force progression, which is desired in vehicle applications, e.g. for lower occupant injuries.
- DFG project "Development of an optimization-oriented material model for the automated topology and form finding of crash structures made of thermoplastic fiber-plastic composites"
- Research project "Graphene- and heuristics-based topology optimization of 3D crash structures of passenger cars" funded by the Research Association for Automotive Technology (FAT)
Beyer, F., Schumacher, A., Pohl, T. (2022): "Neue Möglichkeiten der Graphen- und Heuristikbasierte Topologieoptimierung von 3D-Crash-Strukturen durch detaillierte Modellierung der Verbindungsknoten", SIMVEC, VDI-Berichte 2407, 213-224
Trilling, J., Schumacher, A., Zhou, M. (2022): "Einsatz von Reinforcement Learning zur lokalen Versteifung von Extrusionsprofilen in Crashlastfällen", Zeitschrift für numerische Simulation und angrenzende Gebiete, NAFEMS-Online-Magazin, 2/2022, 62. Ausgabe, 59-70
Schumacher, A., Beyer, F. (2022): "Graph and Heuristic based Topology Optimization of 3D crash structures - Presentation of all essential modules of the fully automatic process", LS-DYNA-Forum, 11.-13. Oktober 2022
Schumacher, A. (2022): State of the art in using deep learning algorithms and expert knowledge schemes for supporting mathematical optimization procedures, Proceeding of the Automotive CAE Grand Challenge 2022, 5th and 6th of July 2022 in Hanau, Germany
Beyer, F., Schneider, D., Schumacher, A. (2020): Finding three-dimensional layouts for crashworthiness load cases using the graph and heuristic based topology optimization, Journal of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization. doi.org/10.1007/s00158-020-02768-0, online first"
Decker, S., Baumgart, C., Krüger, L., Schumacher, A. (2020): Electron beam melting of various structures and their quasi-static compression behavior. Materials Science & Engineering A 793 (2020) 139849
Schumacher, A., Beyer, F. (2020): Untersuchung zu den Einsatzmöglichkeiten der Graphen- und Heuristikbasierten Topologieoptimierung zur Entwicklung von 3D-Rahmenstrukturen in Crashlastfällen, FAT-Schriftenreihe 329, ISSN 2192-7863
Schneider, D., Schumacher, A., Donhauser, T., Huf, A., Schmeer, S. (2019): "Flexible Graph Syntax for the Topology Optimization of Crashworthiness Profile Structures Made from Thermoplastic Composites", in: Hausmann, J.M.: Selected papers from the "22 nd Symposium on Composites", June 26-28, 2019, Kaiserslautern, Germany, 493-499, Trans Tech Publications, In: Key Engineering Materials (2019), S. 493–499. doi: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.809.493.
Beyer, F., Schneider, D., Schumacher, A. (2019): "Development of heuristics dealing with material failure of composite profile structures for the Graph and Heuristic based Topology Optimization", Proceeding of the World Congress of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, May 20-24, 2019, Beijing, China
Sperber, J., Ortmann, C., Schumacher, A. (2019): "Optimal application of triggers for the deformation of crash structures under axial compression with consideration of geometrical imperfections", in: X.Guo, H. Huang (eds.): Advances in Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, ISBN 978-7-89437-207-9, 169-175
Schumacher, A. (2019): "Expert Rules as a powerful support of the Topology Optimization Procedures of Crash Structures", Proc. of the 12th European LS-DYNA Conference 2019, Koblenz, Germany
Dienemann, R., Schumacher, A., Fiebig, S. (2018): "Considering linear buckling for 3D density based topology optimization" appears in the Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Engineering Optimization (EngOpt2018), 17-19 September 2018, Lisboa, Portugal
Schumacher, A. (2018): "On the current need of Expert Rules for the Topology Optimization of Structures with Non-Linear Behaviors", Proceeding of the 13th World Congress on Computational Mechanics (WCCM XIII) and 2nd Pan American Congress on Computational Mechanics (PANACM II), July 22-27, 2018, New York City, NY, USA
Link, S., Schneider, D., Schumacher, A., Ortmann, C. (2018): "Integration of flange connections in the Graph and Heuristic Based Topology Optimization of crashworthiness structures" appears in the Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Engineering Optimization (EngOpt2018), 17-19 September 2018, Lisboa, Portugal
Schneider, D., Link, S., Schumacher, A., Ortmann, C. (2018): "Graph and Heuristic Based Topology Optimization of Crashworthiness Composite Profile Structures Manufactured by Vacuum Infusion and Gluing", Proceeding of the 13th World Congress on Computational Mechanics (WCCM XIII) and 2nd Pan American Congress on Computational Mechanics (PANACM II), July 22-27, 2018, New York City, NY, USA
Schneider, D.; Schumacher, A. (2018): “Finding best layouts for rips on surfaces for crash loads using the Graph and Heuristic Based Topology Optimization”, in: Schumacher, A., Vietor, T., Fiebig, S., Bletzinger, K.-U., Maute, K. (Hrsg.): Advances in Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, Proceedings of the 12th World Congress of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization (WCSMO12), Springer Nature, 1615-1628, 2018
Ortmann, C., Schumacher, A. (2015): Graphen- und Heuristikbasierte Topologieoptimierung (GHT) von Profilquerschnitten für Crashlastfälle, Online-Magazin, Zeitschrift für numerische Simulationsmethoden und angrenzende Gebiete, Oktober 2015 – Nr. 3/2015, 35. Ausgabe, ISSN 2311-522X www.nafems.org/downloads/magazin/35-nafems-online-magazin.pdf/
Ortmann, C., Schumacher, A. (2015): Graph and Heuristic Based Topology Optimization in consideration of the disciplines crash and statics, Proceedings of the NAFEMS Seminar: “Optimization and Robust Design”, 23 – 24 March 2015, Wiesbaden, Germany
Ortmann, C., Schumacher, A. (2014): Branching strategies for the application of heuristics to the topology optimization of crash loaded structures, Proceedings of the 11th World Congress on Computational Mechanics (WCCM XI), Barcelona, 20-25 July 2014
Ortmann, C., Schumacher. A. (2014): Mathematical Description and Algorithmization of Expert Knowledge for the Support of the Topology Optimization of Crashworthiness Structures, PAMM - Proc. Appl. Math. Mech. 14, 1023 – 1026 (2014) onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pamm.201410488/abstract
Schumacher, A.; Ortmann, C. (2013): "Rule generation for optimal topology changes of crash-loaded structures”, Proceedings of the 10th World Congress on Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, May 19 -24, 2013, Orlando, Florida, USA (http://www2.mae.ufl.edu /mdo/Papers/5231.pdf) www2.mae.ufl.edu/mdo/Papers/5231.pdf
Ortmann, C.; Schumacher, A. (2013): "Hierarchical topology and shape optimization of crash-loaded profile structures”, Proceedings of the 10th World Congress on Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, May 19 -24, 2013, Orlando, Florida, USA (http://www2.mae.ufl.edu /mdo/Papers/5205.pdf) www2.mae.ufl.edu/mdo/Papers/5205.pdf
Ortmann, C.; Schumacher, A. (2013): "Graph and heuristic based topology optimization of crash loaded structures", Journal of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization (2013) 47:839–854 link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00158-012-0872-7
Ortmann, C.; Schumacher, A. (2012): „Kombination von mathematischen Verfahren und aus Expertenwissen abgeleiteten Heuristiken zur topologischen Auslegung crashbelasteter Profilquerschnitte in Karosseriestrukturen“, VDI-Berichte Nr. 2169, Seite 241-356, 2012
Schumacher, A.; Ortmann, C. (2012): „Topology optimization of crash structures – creativity versus computer-based algorithms“, Proceeding of the 11th LS-DYNA Forum, Ulm, 9-10 October 2012 www.dynamore.de/de/download/papers/ls-dyna-forum-2012/documents/optimization-3-3
Schumacher, A., Ortmann, C. (2012): “Regelbasiertes Verfahren zur Topologieoptimierung von Profilquerschnitten für Crashlastfälle”, Tagungsbuch „Karosseriebautage Hamburg 2012, Vieweg-Verlag, Wiesbaden
Olschinka, C., Schumacher, A., Krüger, H. (2010): „Dynamische Simulationen für den Entwurf und zur Validierung von Fluggastsitzen“, Tagungsband des Deutschen Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress, Beitrag 161169, 163-171, 31.08.-02.09.2010 in Hamburg, ISBN 978-3-932182-67-7
Schumacher, A., Olschinka, C., Hoffmann, B. (2008): “Topology optimization based on graph theory of crash loaded flight passenger seats”, Proceeding of the 7th LS-DYNA Forum, Bamberg, 2008, ISBN 3-9809901-4-1 www.dynamore.de/de/download/papers/forum08/dokumente/F-III-02.pdf
Olschinka, C., Schumacher, A. (2008): „Graph based topology optimization of crashworthiness structures”, PAMM Proc. Applied Math. Mech., Volume 8 Issue 1, Pages 10029-10032, 2008 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pamm.200810029/pdf
