Vibro-acoustic topology optimization of sandwich panels partially treated with MR fluid and silicone rubber core layer

This study aims to investigate the topology optimization of sandwich panels partially treated with magnetorheological (MR) fluid and silicone rubber core layer. The finite element (FE) model of the partially treated sandwich panel has been developed using circular and 4-node quadrilateral elements. The FE model is then utilized to solve the free and forced vibration equations of motion to obtain the natural frequencies, loss factors and sound transmission loss (STL), respectively. Systematic parametric studies on the effect of the position of the MR fluid and silicone rubber on the first axisymmetric natural frequency, the corresponding loss factor and also the STL are presented. It has been shown that the vibrational and acoustical behavior of the sandwich panel changes considerably as the location of the MR treatment changes. To conduct optimization problems efficiently without using the full FE model, linear meta-models have been derived using random and D-optimal design points. The developed meta-models are then utilized to solve the topology optimization problems using the genetic algorithm and integer programing methods. The suitability of the identified optimal candidates are further evaluated using the developed FE model to determine the optimized topology for the constraint and unconstraint problems. (paper)