Development of CAD system for frame structure as packing cage (1st report, stress analysis and optimum design of frame structure)

The purpose of this study is to develop a CAD system for frame structures as packing cages. In order to simplify the design work of the packing's frame structures and to unify the design criteria for them, the CAD system must support the estimation and setting of loading conditions peculiar to the packing cage, which considers loadings in handling, transportation and conveyance, and must include the structural analysis and automated design of the frames. In this report, first, a guiding principle of the system development is described. Second, the main part of the paper is devoted to a reconsideration of the stress analysis and to the proposal of a simplified optimization method for reducing steel material costs.