Simultaneous partial topology and size optimization of a wing structure usingant colony and gradient based methods

摘要

This article presents a methodology and process for a combined wingconfiguration partial topology and structure size optimization. It is aimed atachieving a minimum structural weight by optimizing the structure layout andstructural component size simultaneously. This design optimization processcontains two types of design variables and hence was divided into two sub-problems. One is structure layout topology to obtain an optimal number andlocation of spars with discrete integer design variables. Another is componentsize optimization with continuous design variables in the structure FE model. Amulti city-layer ant colony optimization (MCLACO) method is proposed and appliedto the topology sub-problem. A gradient based optimization method (GBOM) builtin the MSC.NASTRAN SOL-200 module was employed in the component sizeoptimization sub-problem. For each selected layout of the wing structure, a sizeoptimization process is performed to obtain the optimum result and feedback tothe layout topology process. The numerical example shows that the proposedMCLACO method and a combination with the GBOM are effective for solving such awing structure optimization problem. The results also indicate that significantstructural weight saving can be achieved.