An efficient semi-automated optimisation approach for (grid-stiffened) composite structures: Application to Ariane 6 Interstage

摘要

Grid-stiffened composite structures offer an interesting competitive design solution for many primary and secondary aerospace structures. Due to their inherent geometric complexity, however, analysis and optimisation of these structures is not trivial. In the current work an efficient analysis technique and optimisation approach have been developed and applied to the 2/3 Interstage of the Ariane 6 Launcher. For the analysis method it was found that thermal pre-loading of the structure was critical for accurate prediction of the structural performance. The automatic optimisation was also able to find a design providing 20% weight savings versus a reference design found through trial and error. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.