Cam shape optimisation by genetic algorithm

This article overviews a genetic algorithm based computer-aided approach for preliminary design and shape optimisation of cam profiles for cam operated mechanisms. The primary objective of the work was to create a complete systematic approach for preliminary cam shape design including cam shape design automation and true cam shape optimisation with respect to the simulated computer models of cam mechanisms. Typically, shape optimisation of a cam cross-section is a multiobjective optimisation problem of two-dimensional geometric shape in a heavily constrained environment. In order to illustrate the genetic algorithm based cam shape optimisation approach, a cam shape design example is described, in which a cam shape designed by genetic algorithm is compared with its more conventionally designed counterpart. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.