Topological Optimization of Gantry Milling Machine Based on Finite Element Method

Abstract

Based on the finite element method (FEM), gantry milling machine was topologically optimized. Complex gantry milling machine design was firstly simplified in order to make it suitable for the FEM software ANSYS modeling. Then, the primary principal stress and the modal were analyzed to set the foundation for the topological optimization of gantry milling machine. The topological optimization problem was formulated as the problem of minimizing the objective function that was defined as the function based on the flexibility and the natural frequency, respectively. The optimized gantry milling machine configuration was obtained with the stiffness increased by 37.83%, the volume decreased by 15.28%, and the first order natural frequency increased by 70.88%. The final configuration scheme has better mechanical properties and improvements in the material economy of gantry milling machine.