A new design of a hydraulic steel radial gate with two oblique arms by topology optimization

A hydraulic steel radial gate (SRG) with two oblique arms is designed by using topology optimization and size optimization. Topology and size optimization are carried out by using CAD software, e.g., Hyperworks. In the current design, the SRG is initially considered to have three main components, i.e., the arms, the supporting frame of arms and a panel for water retaining. To give a better design of these components, e.g., arms and its supporting frame, topology optimization is adopted. By topology optimization method, the shape of arm and the supporting frame are obtained. As construction of the new SRG is reconstructed by the components obtained, the stiffness, strength and stability of the new SRG is checked and some sizes of components in SRG are readjusted by using size optimization. The final design of the SRG is around 24% lighter than the traditional design whilst the safety of the new design is much better.