Application of the multidisciplinary design optimization algorithm to the design of a belt-integrated seat while considering crashworthiness

Abstract

Multidisciplinary design optimization based on independent subspaces (MDOIS), which is a multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) algorithm, has been recently proposed. Since MDOIS is relatively simple compared with other MDO algorithms, it is easy to apply MDOIS to practical engineering problems. In this research, an MDO problem is defined for the design of a belt-integrated seat (BIS) while considering crashworthiness. The crash model consists of an airbag, a BIS, an energy-absorbing steering system, and a safety belt. It is found that the current design problem has two disciplines - structural non-linear analysis and occupant analysis. The interdisciplinary relationship between the disciplines is identified. Interdisciplinary variables between the two disciplines are stiffness of the seat back frame and the belt load. The interdisciplinary relationship is addressed in the system analysis step in MDOIS. Prior to each independent subspace design, values of interdisciplinary variables at a given design point are determined in the system analysis step. The determined values are passed to corresponding subspaces, and the subspaces treat the received values of the interdisciplinary variables as constant parameters throughout the subspace design. For the present example, the belt load is passed to the structural analysis subspace and the stiffness of the seat back frame is passed to the occupant analysis subspace. Determined design variables in each subspace are passed to the system analysis step. In this way, the design process iterates until the convergence criterion is satisfied. As a result of the design, the weight of the BIS and the head injury criterion (HIC) of an occupant are reduced while the specified constraints are satisfied. Since the system analysis cannot be formulated in an explicit form in the current example, an optimization problem is formulated to solve the system analysis. The results from MDOIS are discussed. © IMechE 2005.