Structure Optimization of Mechanical Boom Based on Whale Algorithm

Abstract

The finite element simulation and analysis of the deformation process of the mechanical boom carrying heavy loads is carried out in Ansys software, and the outer radius of the cross-section circle, cross-section shape, distance of the support point and the ratio of cross-sectional area at both ends of the boom are taken as the structural parameter variables, and the four-factor, four-level orthogonal test  is designed. The total deformation and the equivalent force during the deformation process of the boom loaded with weight are taken as the indicators of the evaluation of the load carrying capacity, meanwhile the regression analysis software SPSS was used to find the regression equation. This research is innovative on the basis of previous experiments. In this process of research, the application of multi-domain simulation software skills including modeling, structural mechanics analysis, data analysis, and algorithms is taken. In this paper, the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) was introduced to optimize the results of orthogonal tests to obtain the optimal combination of process parameters. The results show that, from the data set in this research, when the radius of the external circle is 38.9mm, the cross-section shape is circular, the distance between support points is 66.12mm, and the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the two ends of mechanical boom is 0.94, the deformation and the equivalent force of the mechanical boom when subjected to the vertical downward force of 1000N are minimized, and the structure is optimal. The deformation is 0.035mm and the equivalent force is 353500000pa. The simulation results have good reliability and can provide theoretical guidance for actual production.