Fixture Design and Work Piece Deformation Optimization Using the Iterative Simplex Algorithm

Abstract

Presents article is deal with optimization of the fixture for end milling process, the most important objective being the minimization of work piece deformation by changing the layout of fixture elements and the clamping forces. The main objective of this work has been the optimization of the fixtures Work piece deformation subjected to clamping forces for End milling operation. The present analysis is used in hollow rectangular isotropic material work piece for FEA analysis and its optimization A linear programing (L.P) simplex model optimization activity has been performed both on fixture-work piece systems modeled with FEM and on fixture-work piece systems modeled with 3-D solid elements. The optimization constraints is selected as W/P deformation in x,y,z direction for various clamping forces, in order to provide a new design of fixture. The MATLAB code has been developed for L.P. model optimization purpose. Present MATLAB code is validated by using available literature. This paper deals with application of the L.P. model for w/p deformation optimization for a accommodating work piece. A simplex iterative algorithm that minimizes the work piece elastic deformation for the entire clamping force is proposed. It is shown via an example of milling fixture design that this algorithm yields a design that is superior to the result obtained from either fixture layout or w/p deformation optimization alone.