Topology optimization of a novel fuselage structure in the conceptual design phase

Liu, Dianzi, Zhang, Chuanwei, Wan, Z. and Du, Z. (2018) Topology optimization of a novel fuselage structure in the conceptual design phase. Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, 90 (9). pp. 1385-1393.

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Abstract

Purpose: In recent years, innovative aircraft designs have been investigated by researchers to address the environmental and economic issues for the purpose of green aviation. To keep air transport competitive and safe, it is necessary to maximize design efficiencies of the aircrafts in terms of weight and cost. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the research which has led to the development of a novel lattice fuselage design of a forward-swept wing aircraft in the conceptual phase by topology optimization technique. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper, the fuselage structure is modelled with two different types of elements – 1D beam and 2D shell – for the validation purpose. Then, the finite element analysis coupled with topology optimization is performed to determine the structural layouts indicating the efficient distributed reinforcements. Following that, the optimal fuselage designs are obtained by comparison of the results of 1D and 2D models. Findings: The topological results reveal the need for horizontal stiffeners to be concentrated near the upper and lower extremities of the fuselage cross section and a lattice pattern of criss-cross stiffeners should be well-placed along the sides of the fuselage and near the regions of window locations. The slight influence of windows on the optimal reinforcement layout is observed. To form clear criss-cross stiffeners, modelling the fuselage with 1D beam elements is suggested, whereas the less computational time is required for the optimization of the fuselage modelled using 2D shell elements. Originality/value: The authors propose a novel lattice fuselage design in use of topology optimization technique as a powerful design tool. Two types of structural elements are examined to obtain the clear reinforcement detailing, which is also in agreement with the design of the DLR (German Aerospace Center) demonstrator. The optimal lattice layout of the stiffeners is distinctive to the conventional semi-monocoque fuselage design and this definitely provides valuable insights into the more efficient utilization of composite materials for novel aircraft designs.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	lattice pattern,composite fuselage,topology optimization,conceptual design
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Mathematics (former - to 2024)
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Sustainable Energy Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Materials, Manufacturing & Process Modelling
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	17 Oct 2017 05:05
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2024 12:39
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/65143
DOI:	10.1108/AEAT-04-2017-0100

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