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Challenges of using topology optimization for the design of pressurized stiffened panels

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Abstract

Topology optimization has been successfully used in several case studies in aerospace and automotive industries to generate innovative design concepts that lead to weight savings. This motivates the exploration of this new approach for the design of an aircraft flat pressure bulkhead. However, no studies were conducted on this type of structure. Therefore, this paper presents and discusses the challenges associated with the design of flat pressurized plate using topology optimization (SIMP (Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization) method). A simply supported rectangular plate is used as the design case and a typical layout is defined as a comparison basis. The mass of the interpreted design concepts are obtained with a simplified sizing approach taking into consideration stress and displacement constraints. Results show that the topology layout is not unique as is sensitive to optimization parameters. Moreover, the interpretation of the layout is challenging as they are driven by complex interactions. Finally, the performance of the topology design concept is at most comparable with the typical layout and no significant improvement is obtained. The study highlights the importance of performing an extensive topology study in order to better understand the behavior of the design before creating a concept. An improved topology design process is finally proposed in order to provide guidance to industrial designers.

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Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by the Fond de Recherche Québecois Nature et Technologie (FRQNT) of Québec (Canada), the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Bombardier Aerospace through the Industrial Innovation Scholarship Program. Finally we acknowledge Altair Engineering Canada for their continuous support to this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, 2500 chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada

    Alexis Dugré & Aurelian Vadean

  2. Advanced Structures, Bombardier Aerospace, Montréal, QC, Canada

    Julien Chaussée

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  1. Alexis Dugré
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  2. Aurelian Vadean
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  3. Julien Chaussée
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Correspondence to Alexis Dugré.

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Dugré, A., Vadean, A. & Chaussée, J. Challenges of using topology optimization for the design of pressurized stiffened panels. Struct Multidisc Optim 53, 303–320 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-015-1321-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-015-1321-1

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