Abstract: An optimization method is presented to determine the locator arrangement for a resistance-spot-welding fixture. Based on the “N-2-1” locating principle, the finite element method (FEM) is used to calculate the deformation of the workpiece on the first datum plane. The multi-position in the working process of the fixture is considered when creating the objective functions. The intergeneration projection genetic algorithm (IP-GA) with fine performance of global convergence is adopted as an optimization solver to seek for the optima. In the computational example, the locators are optimized for different N, and the convergence performance of the IP-GA is compared with GA. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the present method.

Key words: Multi-objective optimization, Genetic algorithm, Resistance-spot-welding fixture, Sheet stamping, analysis of the effects, base excitation, vibration characteristics, viscoelastic composite structure, frequency dependent characteristic