Andreas Neofytou, Jaeyub Hyun, Thiago Rios, Mariusz Bujny, Stefan Menzel, Hyunsun Kim, "Coupled Multidisciplinary Topology Optimization Methodology and Platform: Noise Minimization in Vehicle Cabin using 3D Level Set Topology Optimization considering Acoustic-structure Interaction", HRI-EU, 2023.

This report summarizes the second year research of the project Coupled Multidisciplinary Topology Optimization Methodology and Platform. The modularized level set topology optimization (LSTO) methodology developed in the first year was applied to solve a vibroacoustic optimization problem in a simplified 3D vehicle cabin considering acoustic-structure interaction. Our objective was to minimize the noise generated at different points in the cabin due to vibrations of different frequencies can be reduced by designing the vehicle cabin floor. To ensure the capacity of the designs to carry the mechanical loads we introduced a minimum stiffness constraint simultaneously in optimization. Moreover manufacturability was taken into consideration by imposing a symmetry constraint. Our optimized designs reduce the noise up to 35% with a reduction of material volume up to 40% compared to the baseline design. This is in contrast to the existing literature which aims to reduce noise in the cabin by adding pannels of damping material in the cabin. The reduction of material can raise concerns regarding the structural capability of the optimized design. Besides the automotive domain, the methodology presented here is applicable to a range of industrial applications including vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles and aircrafts. The consideration of more realistic applications and comparison to traditional design methods is included into the goals for the period March 2023 - March 2024.