Multidisciplinary Optimisation of Aircraft Structures with Critical Non-Regular Areas: Current Practice and Challenges

The design optimisation of aerostructures is largely based on Multidisciplinary Design Optimisation (MDO), which a set tools used by the aircraft industry to size primary structures: wings, large portions fuselage or even an entire aircraft. procedure computationally expensive, as it must account for several thousands loadcases, multiple analyses with hundreds degrees freedom, variables and millions constraints. Because this, coarse Global Finite Element Model (GFEM), based, cannot be further refined. structures represented in GFEM contain many components non-regular areas, require detailed modelling capture their complex mechanical behaviour. Instead, GFEM, these are simplified models approximated stiffness, whose main role contribute identification load paths over whole structure. Therefore, parts kept fixed not constrained during optimisation, description internal deformation sufficiently accurate. In this paper, we show that would nevertheless desirable areas overall at once. Firstly, introduce concept context structural airframe MDO. Secondly, present literature survey MDO critical review architectures current applications optimisation. Then, analyse demonstrate examples possible consequences neglecting when applied. conclusion, requirements alternative approaches why ones viable solutions. Lastly, discuss characteristics problem could exploited computational cost.