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Optimization of a gearbox with static, dynamic and acoustic constraints Mass reduction has become a key issue in the automotive industry due to environmental regulations, competition and manufacturing costs. Among the large number of applications, the optimization of gearboxes is one of the most challenging problems. Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) considerations are quite common performance criteria. However, in most cases, the optimization is performed based on a subset of all the traditional NVH requirements. A proper optimization should simultaneously consider static, dynamic, and acoustic constraints. Topology, shape, and sizing optimization techniques can be used in order to meet these requirements. The current research deals with the optimization of a simplified gearbox while accounting for the coupled interactions between static, dynamic, and acoustic responses. The objective is to minimize the weight while satisfying the constraints by locating stiffeners. The optimal solution will be investigated through both traditional topology and topometry optimization techniques. We will focus on the derivation of the sensitivities of the coupled structural acoustic responses with respect to the variables. Structural damping will be considered in the derivation. In addition, the robustness of the solution will be studied with respect to uncertainties in the design variables. |