Automated Top Level Aircraft Structural Sizing Tool (ATLASS): A Framework for Preliminary Aircraft Design and Optimization

摘要

This paper presents a framework for initial sizing and optimization of new aircraft and structural concepts. Conceptual aircraft design typically relies on empirical models and hand methods for initial sizing of aircraft structure. These methods have limited applicability to new aircraft configurations that diverge significantly from the historical configurations on which they are based. 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. 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. The configuration and analysis model generation is performed in CATIA. Loads and structural sizing are performed in NASTRAN and HyperSizer respectively. Isight is then used to integrate the analysis modules and manage the higher level optimization and design space exploration. The framework of ATLASS is fully automated and parametric which enables structural trade studies to be conducted on any aircraft variable such as sweep, aspect ratio, etc.