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Topology design of composite rotor beam with gradient-based algorithms

Yiru Ren (School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.)
Jinwu Xiang (School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China.)
Zheqi Lin (Shenzhen Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.)

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology

ISSN: 0002-2667

Article publication date: 6 July 2015

289

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

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