Optimization of power transmission systems using a multi-level decomposition approach

¹ Division for Industrial Engineering and Computer Sciences, École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint Etienne, 158, cours Fauriel, 42023 Saint Etienne Cedex, France; dolgui@emse.fr
² United Institute of Informatics Problems, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Surganov Str. 6, 220012 Minsk, Belarus

Received: 15 September 2005
Accepted: 26 April 2006

Abstract

We discuss the use of operations research methods for computer-aided design of mechanical transmission systems. We consider how to choose simultaneously transmission ratios and basic design parameters of transmission elements (diameters, widths, modules and tooth number for gears, diameters of shafts). The objectives, by the order of importance, are: to minimize the deviation of the obtained speeds from desired; to maximize the transmission life; to minimize the total mass. To solve this problem, we propose a multi-level decomposition scheme in combination with methods of quadratic and dynamic programming. Some industrial cases are solved. For these cases, the developed software tool improves the design decisions by decreasing total metal consumption of the transmission as much as 7–10% and considerable simplifies the work of the designer.