A sequential, multi-complexity topology optimization process for aeroelastic wing structure design

The design of structures is motivated by the requirement that performance goals must be met at the lowest possible cost. In the realm of aircraft design, the least-weight structure typically leads to the lowest cost vehicle. Therefore, the goal becomes that of supporting all flight loads at the minimum achievable weight. This study outlines a method to identify the optimal layout or topology of a wing structure that minimizes the wing’s weight under multiple loads, subject to strength and aeroelastic constraints. The procedure was developed with the goal of using available, well-defined tools for structural sizing optimization to simplify the layout selection process. This approach uses a sequence of sizing optimization problems to identify and remove non-essential elements from an overpopulated structure. The optimization and deletion processes produce a series of improving feasible topologies for the set of flight loads imposed on the wing. These candidate structures are compared and the least-weight design is chosen as the optimum. The procedure was first applied to a plane truss problem and was able to reproduce the well-established Michell truss solution, providing validation of the approach. Then, the process was applied to wing models representing several different types of aircraft to illustrate its applicability across a wide range of wing design problems