Optimization of key joints

Abstract

Key-joints are used in many drives and rotating elements in engineering practice. Nowadays decreasing the dead-weight of the structures is more and more important (in vehicle industry, aircrafts, etc.). This paper shows an optimization process for minimum weight design of key-joints. For the solution of the optimization problem a 3D grapho-analytical optimization process is used, based on the Kuhn–Tucker optimality criterium. During the graphic part of the process, three dimensional diagrams show the behaviour of the objective function and of the design constraints, which makes easy to read the optimum solution from the diagram. The final optimum solution is given in a table numerically too. For better demonstration, the finite element analysis of the three dimensional CAD model of the optimal joint is shown.