Application of Topology Optimization to the Design of a Machine Tool Sub-Assembly for Wind Turbine Applications

The present thesis is part of “InnoMill”, a project started by a consortium of Danish universities and companies, with the aim to develop mobile machine tools for large wind turbine components. The work is part of the design of the “Spindle Box”, a sub-assembly of one machine tool. Starting from a concept solution ideated by one of the partner companies, a study of the design constraints and requirements was done. Then a Topology Optimization analysis has been carried out for the Frame, the most important component of the sub-assembly under the structural point of view. In order to study the behaviour of some components, which will be purchased from suppliers, stiffness models were proposed. Using these models and under other simplifying hypoteses FEM analysis were done to have indications about the performances of the sub-assembly. After the analyses an evaluation of these performances has been done and suggestions for design improvements have been made