Topology design of composite rotor beam with gradient-based algorithms
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to get the topology shape and material distribution of composite rotor beam under the requirement of cross-sectional characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
A new multi-material topology optimization method is given. Designated shear center (SC) position and stiffness terms are combined as the objective function. Multi-material model including isotropic and anisotropic materials are employed. Sensitivity analysis is given based on gradient-based algorithm, and density filtering scheme is adopted to avoid checkerboard problem.
Findings
The topology design method of composite rotor beam provides innovative cross-sectional shape and material distribution method. The final topology shape like “ > ” is given for different material types and cross-sectional shape under SC position requirement. The coefficient of stiffness components has great influence on the cross-sectional final topology shape.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed method is just to give cross-sectional topology shape. To obtain final actual composite rotor beam structure, shape and size optimization should be conducted if the topology shape is given.
Practical implications
This method is suitable for the preliminary design of helicopter rotor beam to get designated SC position and stiffness terms.
Originality/value
The proposed method provides a new gradient-based algorithm for multi-material topology optimization design of composite rotor beam.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the National Nature Science Grant of the People’s Republic of China (No. 10672011, 11202046) and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2012M510306, 2013T60054).
Citation
Ren, Y., Xiang, J. and Lin, Z. (2015), "Topology design of composite rotor beam with gradient-based algorithms", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 87 No. 4, pp. 305-311. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-06-2013-0120
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited