Snail Homing and Mating Search Algorithm for Weight Optimization of Stepped-Transmission Shaft

In this paper, the steeped-transmission shaft design problem is proposed for weight optimization. The bio-inspired search-based Snail Homing and Mating Search (SHMS) algorithm is utilized to solve the problem. It is inspired by the social behaviour of snails and their inherent nature of finding better homes, and mate. The proposed steeped-transmission shaft design problem is modelled considering the fatigue loading, combined bending, torsion loads, and the principle of Modified Goodman criteria. The forces diagram and the bending moment diagrams are obtained using the MDSOLIDS software. The forces and bending moment are then used to mathematical model the objective function and constraints. The SHMS algorithm has yielded the desired solution with reasonable computational cost. The constraints are handled using a static penalty function approach. The statistical results obtained using SHMS algorithm are further used for generating CAD model. The analysis is carried out in ANSYS Workbench. Further, the deflection obtained from SHMS algorithm and ANSYS Workbench are compared and results are discussed in details.