Modeling of fast pre-joining processes optimization for skin-stringer panels

• Published in: Assembly automation 2014-09, Vol.34 (4), p.323-332
• Main Authors: Liu, Gang, tang, wei, Ke, Yinglin, Chen, Qing-Liang, Bi, Yunbo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptive algorithms; Aircraft; Assembly; Automation; Clearances; Deformation; Finite element method; Genetic algorithms; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Optimization; Panels; Riveting; Stiffness matrix; User interface; Workloads
• ISSN: 0144-5154; 2754-6969; 1758-4078; 2754-6977
• DOI: 10.1108/AA-05-2014-036

Purpose For the automatic riveting in panel assemblies, the traditional approach of determination of pre-joining processes entirely rests on the experience of workers, which leads to the improper number, location and sequence of pre-joining, the low quality stability and the high repair rate in most cases. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new model for optimizing pre-joining processes quickly and accurately, guiding workers to standardized operations. Design/methodology/approach The clearances computation with the Complete Finite Element Model for every process combination is time-consuming. Therefore a Fast Pre-joining Processes Optimization Model is proposed. This model treats both the measured initial clearances and the stiffness matrices of key points of panels as an input, considers the permissive clearances as an evaluation criterion, regards the optimal number, location and sequence as an objective, and takes the Neighbourhood-Search-based Adaptive Genetic Algorithm as a solution. Findings A comparison between the Fast Pre-joining Processes Optimization Model and Complete Finite Element Model with Clearances was made in practice. And the results indicate that running the Fast Pre-joining Processes Optimization Model is time-saving more than by 90% compared with the Complete Finite Element Model with Clearances. Practical implications This paper provides practical insights into realizing the pre-joining processes optimization quickly. Originality/value This paper is the first to propose the Fast Pre-joining Processes Optimization Model, which could simplify the processes, reduce the degrees of freedom of nodes and conduct the manufacturers to standardized manipulations.