Verification and Refinement of an Aircraft Structural Design and Optimization Tool, ATLASS

摘要

This paper is an update and continuation of the ATLASS paper presented in 2019. The initial application and testing of the ATLASS framework for sizing and optimization of new aircraft and structural concepts is discussed along with corresponding improvements and additional functionality. The ATLASS tool is intended to bridge the gap between conceptual and detailed design by implementing higher fidelity automated analysis tools earlier in the design process with applicability to new or novel aircraft configurations. The ATLASS tool includes fully automated modules for Outer Mold Line (OML) generation, internal structural layout, weights and C.G. generation, and Finite Element Model (FEM) generation for loads and structural analysis. All geometric and finite element based models are generated in CATIA and exported to Nastran and Hypersizer for analysis. Analysis and optimization are managed by Isight. An initial study was conducted on a legacy wing configuration to validate the tool and make improvements. Initial results were promising however additional load cases were identified as well as analyses not currently available in Hypersizer to improve weight estimations. These enhancements were integrated then applied to a full aircraft validation study.