Topology and Shape Optimization of Ultrathin Composite Self-Deployable Shell Structures with Cutouts

This paper presents two methods to design cutouts that allow damage-free folding of the stiffest possible composite self-deployable thin shell structures complex shapes. The first method uses level-set functions define a general number cutouts. second spline representation contour single cutout and optimizes its shape. Material failure detection is implemented in solution. Both are applied deployable shells forming 90° joints, multiple viable solutions obtained. Experiments on best performing design, thick made Astroquartz with cyanate ester matrix, five each side, presented illustrate validate proposed approach.