Fawzi Belblidia

Fully integrated design optimization of plate structures

This paper deals with fully integrated design optimization (FIDO) of plate structures. First, topology optimization is introduced based on a hybrid algorithm, then fitting optimization is applied. Finally, the sizing optimization is described. Each one of these optimization techniques is tested on some examples. Finally, the FIDO-plate toolkit, which is a link of the three stages cited above, is tested on some examples following three major steps. First the optimal stiffening topology of the initial plate is produced, and the stiffening regions identified. Then, the regions of different boundaries of the new stiffened plate are adaptively fitted using cubic B-splines. Finally, the sizing optimization technique is applied in order to determine the thickness of each region. This leads to an improved plate design.

An innovative photogrammetry color segmentation based technique as an alternative approach to 3D scanning for reverse engineering design

ABSTRACTThe photogrammetry procedure is introduced as a cheap and -effective alternative to 3D scanning for constructing 3D point cloud data for reverse engineering applications. The data is then manipulated to generate CAD-ready models for FEA simulations or 3D printing purposes. A practical demonstration using model cars is conducted to show the effectiveness of the procedure in generating point cloud data, and various improvements are introduced. In particular, and innovative to this research work, a feature segmentation algorithm based on color information captured from photographs is implemented. This program, embedded within the photogrammetry process, allows for automatic selection of parts and features from an assembly model, providing a leading advantage over current 3D scanners, which capture spatial data only. Moreover, an intuitive method of enhancing the selection of required features of a triangular mesh during the segmentation process is introduced. This is achieved by manually marking the ...

On the optimisation of mechanical properties of PP moulded parts

An injection moulding study that utilised an L9 (34) Taguchi array to determine the optimal process condition of a semi-crystalline PP grade is discussed. This used a multipurpose tensile bar geometry with the objective to maximise the mechanical properties, i.e. tensile modulus and strength (ISO 527), flexural modulus (ISO 178) and Izod impact strength (ISO 180, unnotched). After determining the optimal process settings, analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that packing time (among injection time, melt temperature and packing pressure) was the most dominant process factor for all the measured mechanical properties.