Optimization method of fixture layout for aeronautical thin‐walled structures with automated riveting
Abstract
Purpose
An appropriate fixture layout can decrease the assembly variation of Aeronautical Thin‐Walled Structure (ATWS) substantially. The purpose of this paper is to develop a fixture layout method to minimize variation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses genetic algorithm and ants algorithm (GAAA) to optimize the fixture layout by first, analyzing the “N‐2‐1” positioning principle of ATWS riveting, and then developing a hierarchical fixture layout model to represent the base points and locating points of ATWS. Second, information of base points and locating points is coded as gene and chromosome, according to a special coding rule and the fixture layout model. The fitness is also defined by the assembly variation of key characteristic points (KCPs). Third, the genetic and ants manipulations are discussed individually, and the two parts are connected by threshold value of the probability for chromosome in the genetic manipulation.
Findings
The method can solve the fixture layout problem of ATWS with automated riveting efficiently, which is shown as an example in this paper.
Practical implications
The assembly variation is decreased by using the method presented in this paper according to the variation comparison.
Originality/value
The hierarchical fixture layout model is proposed for the first time in this paper and base points and locating points are optimized successfully by the GAAA.
Keywords
Citation
Cheng, H., Li, Y., Zhang, K., Luan, C., Xu, Y. and Li, M. (2012), "Optimization method of fixture layout for aeronautical thin‐walled structures with automated riveting", Assembly Automation, Vol. 32 No. 4, pp. 323-332. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445151211262384
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited