A novel approach to fixture layout optimization on maximizing dynamic machinability

In the aerospace industry, the reasonable layout of fixture can efficiently suppresses machining vibration of thin-walled aerospace structure during machining. Based on the analysis of typical structural components encountered in the aerospace industry, a general frame-structure workpiece with fixture constraints can be equivalent as Mindlin plates with simultaneous elastic edges and internal supports. On basis of the equivalent models, the powerful pb-2 Ritz method defined by the product of a two-dimensional polynomial and basic functions can be introduced to be taken as trial functions. Substituting displacement functions into energy functional and minimizing total energy by differentiation leads to eigenfrequency equations of the workpiece–fixture system. Consequently, a novel nonlinear programming problem based on the frequency sensitivity can be built to optimize the layout of fixture supports to maximize the fundamental nature frequency of the workpiece–fixture system. The feasibility of the proposed approach is validated by a machining case. •Machining vibration is an intrinsic feature of the frame-structure workpiece during machining.•A frame-structure workpiece with fixture constraints can be equivalent as plates-spring system.•The powerful pb-2 Ritz method can be introduced to generate trial functions.•Minimum energy method will generate the characteristic frequency equation.•A novel nonlinear programming problem can be built to optimize the layout of fixture supports.