Diseño de un metamodelo para la selección automatizada de materiales usando gráficos de Ashby en el desarrollo de un nuevo producto

Abstract

The selection of materials based on mechanical strength criteria is one of the most important stages in the design process, as an inadequate selection can directly affect the performance, durability, and economic viability of a product. Currently, there are various methods available to guide designers in selecting a specific material, taking into account the requirements of the developing design; methods range from the traditional approach, where the designer's experience is the main criterion for selection, to methods that use CAD and CAE programs to simulate the design under various scenarios and determine the most suitable material. However, the latter method involves significant use of computational resources and time because the designer must conduct a simulation for each available material to analyze the behavior of each one and thereby evaluate which is most appropriate for the design in question. Therefore, this work proposes a metamodel that allows the designer to save computational resources and time through a method where a standard parameter is obtained from finite element analysis of a single material. This parameter adjusts to test conditions, thereby providing approximate values of maximum Von Mises stress for a list of materials to be analyzed. This tool advises on material selection by providing predictions of maximum stresses for all available materials with only one finite element analysis execution. The first chapter of this document discusses the motivation behind its creation, the reasons for the research, and the objectives set forth. The second chapter provides context on the importance of materials throughout history, methodologies for designing a new product, methods used in material selection, and the definition and significance of metamodels. The third chapter presents the models and metamodels of Ashby's traditional method for mechanical strength criteria, as well as the model and metamodel for material selection based on finite element analysis results. At the end of this chapter, a model and metamodel are proposed to provide designers with approximate global information on the most suitable material to meet mechanical strength requirements based on estimated maximum Von Mises stresses. These values are estimated using specific proposed parameters derived from a single finite element analysis simulation. Finally, the limitations of the proposed metamodel are presented along with conclusions and bibliographic references.