Morphing boxes for the integration of shape optimization in the product design process

This paper proposes an approach to integrate sensitivity-based shape optimization into the process of product design. The approach is based on B-Spline volume morphing boxes as an interface between the CAD model and the FE model used for optimization. Existing tools within a CAD system are used to emulate B-Spline morphing boxes. In order to use morphing boxes for sensitivity-based shape optimization, a Python program is implemented producing morphing box data that is passed to the optimization software. A consistent workflow is devised that starts with an initial CAD model and ends with a CAD model that has been updated based on optimization results. The workflow is validated on an industrial example.