Optimized Alcoa Bearing Bracket V1.0

grabcad

In this Alcoa Airplane Bearing Bracket Challenge submission, I achieved a 73.26% reduction in volume/weight (design weight of 229.78 grams). The validation method involved comparing the "original version" and the "optimized version" using identical mesh settings, global size, mesh tolerance, Jacobian points, and solver parameters. The original bracket exhibited high stress under a 45-degree inclined load of 1875 lbf, prompting the optimization strategy to distribute stress across the new structure design, thereby dividing it over a larger area while maintaining simplicity and minimum support for 3D printing. This was my first challenge, and I'm glad to be part of an exceptional community like GrabCAD. Continuous improvements are being made to optimize weight reduction without sacrificing strength, revealing significant opportunities for further enhancements. Feedback on my submission is highly appreciated. Thank you, Ardhia.