Mass minimization optimization of Petzl Zigzag
Modelled and designed the optimization of a friction device used for climbing (Petzl Zigzag, shown above).
Utilized ANSYS with the objective of minimizing the total mass.
Using working load of 140 kg and a safety factor of 10, the maximum Von-Mises stress encountered within the model was restricted to the yield strength of each material.
Four initial designs were considered and evaluated.
Optimization reduced the mass of the device by 47% while remaining in the feasible domain, with the maximum Von-Mises stress reaching 230 MPa . Results were analyzed and discussed concerning validity and singularities.
Visual Representation of the ANSYS Model used for optimization iterations.
Von Mises Stresses simulation shown over the entire model.
Iterations of two design variables and their length over the course of iterations for optimization.