Multi- objective optimization of sandwich structures for reinforcing composite fuselages

ALBANESI, ALEJANDRO E.; VOLPE, NAHUEL J.; LANGHI, FEDERICO; FACHINOTTI, VICTOR D.

JOURNAL OF SANDWICH STRUCTURES & MATERIALS

SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD

Lugar: London; Año: 2023 vol. 0 p. 1 - 19

1099-6362

This study introduces a simulation-based optimization approach that  combines a multi-objective genetic algorithm and the finite elementmethod to design sandwich structures to reinforce compositefuselages. The sandwich structure has been parametrized with a set ofmixed integer-continuous variables representing the polymer corethickness, the number and weight of laminated fiberglass layers, andsize and position of the structure. Automatic scripting builds thegeometry of the structure, then mounts it in the fuselage, andfinally creates a conformal mesh. During the optimization, eachreinforced fuselage is subjected to several load cases specified bythe CS-22 EASA designstandard, determining the worst load condition. Two objectives wereconsidered: increasing the reinforced fuselage’s minimum fiberstress safety factor for improved safety and reducing the number oflayers of the sandwich structure to minimize manufacturing costs.Structural constraints were the mass of the sandwich structure andbuckling and flexo-torsional deformation of the reinforced fuselage.Results show an efficient material arrangement due to the reducednumber of layers in the sandwich structure and a stress safety factorsurpassing that set by the standard. Finally, the reinforcement of aglider fuselage to incorporate a retractable electric propulsionsystem is presented as areal-world industrial application.p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; background: transparent }