Concept exploration of spacecraft separation structures using evolutionary optimization
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Complex adaptive systems (MPCAS), MSc
Publicerad
2022
Författare
Arnebro Söderberg, Erik
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Conventional concept exploration tends to be narrowly focused around previous solutions, especially in an
industry with as much emphasis on reliability as aerospace engineering. A drawback of this approach is the
likelihood of high performing design concepts existing outside that narrow design domain. In this thesis
project a tool is developed which aims to augment the concept exploration phase by autonomously searching a
broad range of feasible solutions. The search converges to the non-dominated set by means of multi-objective
evolutionary optimization, wherein the structures are optimized for lower mass and higher natural frequency.
The candidate solutions are modelled, meshed, and structurally analysed using open-source software. The tool
was tested on two different types of structures, namely launch vehicle adapters (LVA) and satellite dispenser
structures. LVA design solutions with both higher natural frequency (up to 4% increase) and reduced mass
were discovered. The results show that the developed method is able to converge to a set of high performing
solutions, and present these to the user as input for subsequent design decisions.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Multi-objective evolutionary optimization , automated finite element analysis , aerospace engineering