Structural Optimization of Conical Panel Assembly for Grid-stiffened Launch Vehicle Structure

Launch vehicles are an important transportation method for linking earth and outer space. A space transportation system (launch vehicle) is said to be cheap when it carries maximum mass at minimum expense. Structural optimization methods are employed on structures in order to minimize the total mass of the structure subject to constraints under the given load. In this work, Finite Element Method (FEM) is coupled with Genetic Algorithm (GA) for selection of optimal mass solution. The newly developed optimization module identifies the better alternative, confirming all the strength and stiffness constraints. A new methodology for the mass optimization of metallic isogrid structure is also presented. The validation of the optimized structure is completed by conducting a finite element analysis of the optimized structure and comparing the results with the baseline design. The optimization process offered a solution with 25% mass saving from the baseline design.