Structural optimization design of BIW using NSGA-III and entropy weighted TOPSIS methods

Abstract

Multi-objective optimization is always a difficult and hot problem for the static and dynamic performance and lightweight optimization design of a body-in-white (BIW). In this regard, a hybrid method coupled with NSGA-III and entropy weighted TOPSIS methods was put forward here. Effects of each design variable on the BIW performance was studied by means of the contribution method so as to optimize various design variables. Further, an experimental design was carried out by means of a radial basis function model to approximate each performance index of the automotive body. On the base of that, a comprehensive method where the Pareto frontier is searched by means of NSGA-III while the optimal solution is selected by means of the entropy weighted TOPSIS method was proposed based on lightweight, static and dynamic performances to analyze BIW performances to determine the contradictory optimal solution among various BIW factors. Afterward, our numerical verifications demonstrate that the BIW performances are improved significantly so that it can be feasible to optimize static and dynamic BIW performances and the lightweight performance of the BIW can be guaranteed accordingly.