This paper provides a method for the simultaneous topology optimization of parts and their corresponding joint locations in an assembly. Therein, the joint locations are not discrete and predefined, but continuously movable. The underlying coupling equations allow for connecting dissimilar meshes and avoid the need for remeshing when joint locations change. The presented method models the force transfer at a joint location not only by using single spring elements but accounts for the size and type of the joints. When considering riveted or bolted joints, the local part geometry at the joint location consists of holes that are surrounded by material. For spot welds, the joint locations are filled with material and may be smaller than for bolts. The presented method incorporates these material and clearance zones into the simultaneously running topology optimization of the parts. Furthermore, failure of joints may be taken into account at the optimization stage, yielding assemblies connected in a fail-safe manner.

中文翻译：

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考虑接头失效的装配体同时拓扑和紧固件布局优化

本文提供了一种同时对零件及其相应接头位置进行拓扑优化的方法。其中，关节位置不是离散的和预定义的，而是连续移动的。底层耦合方程允许连接不同的网格，避免在关节位置改变时重新划分网格。所提出的方法不仅通过使用单个弹簧元件来模拟关节位置处的力传递，而且还考虑了关节的大小和类型。在考虑铆接或螺栓连接时，连接位置的局部零件几何形状由被材料包围的孔组成。对于点焊，接头位置填充有材料，并且可能比螺栓小。所提出的方法将这些材料和间隙区域合并到零件的同时运行的拓扑优化中。此外，在优化阶段可以考虑接头故障，从而产生以故障安全方式连接的组件。