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Design OptimisationThe ability to generate high performance structures with least weight is a primary driver in many industries. Stress Concentration Optimisation Process for Engineering Structures (SCOPES) is a structural optimisation methodology used by the Engineering Design CIC. SCOPES aims to achieve a longer and safer working record for a structure over its lifecycle, based on the redistribution of material to balance the effect of stress concentrations. What is it? Design optimisation identifies points of high stress within a component and then uses routines to reduce those stresses by adding material to those failure vulnerable regions of the design. Design optimisation also identifies region of low stress in a design and will remove material if applicable, allowing the designer to produce a design with attenuated stresses distribution. The designs that are produce can be often viewed as "organic" or futuristic, though they can be manufactured by conventional or modern manufacturing processes. What are the benefits? The idea of design optimisation in situations where product failure is driven by stress concentrations remains worthwhile and has the potential to offer design engineers a better view in the design structures subject to fatigue loading and the opportunity for better utilisation of material with its associated economic benefits. SCOPES development takes all the technical advantages in structural optimisation modelling providing a range of benefits including an easier way to execute the routine process, faster ways to obtain solutions and manufacturable designs. SCOPES can also provide reduced product failure, produce cheaper products, material savings, improved product quality, more competitive product and more profit alongside waste reduction and environmental benefits. However, care must be taken when using such approaches to ensure that all design requirements are satisfied. This is where the Engineering Design CIC offers a unique proposition. We will work with you to make your design better. How can you get involved? The Engineering CIC is working on a range of projects looking at design optimisation within commercial environments. If you feel that your company is facing an issue that could be one where design optimisation could make a difference, in the first instance contact the CIC for an informal discussion on the project. If you think you and your company could benefit from learning more about this research area and/or would like to discuss how we could provide a bespoke research package that could directly improve your product's market position then please contact: Daxue Sun,daxue@engineeringdesigncentre.co.uk |
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