Research On Topology Optimization And Parametric Design Of Lug Connectors

In the design of modern aircraft structure, lug connectors are often used in the key position of the transmission of concentrated loads. Traditional design method of lug connectors has disadvantages of long cycle, high cost and low efficiency, and the personnel always choose too large safety factor to meet the design requirements of static strength and fatigue, which results in overweight of the structure. Based on the topology optimization and the parametric design method, this paper uses the powerful finite element modeling and analysis software MSC.Patran/Nastran and the computer aided optimization software Isight to design a set of efficient and practical optimal design scheme for lug connectors.A mathematical model for topology optimization of artificial material is formulated based on SIMP interpolation method, which refers to the minimal compliance as objective and subjects to the structural volume and is solved by the optimization criterion method. Then, a topology optimization module of lug connectors is developed based on the PCL language in the redevelopment platform of MSC.Patran/Nastran software. And the optimized program is embedded in the software interface by compiling the initialization file of MSC.Patran, which brings convenience in operation for users.Based on the topology optimization result of artificial material method, a lug connector model after preliminary design is obtained, and a parametric design model is established by the PCL language. Then, based on the parametric design model and the optimization software Isight, a framework of shape optimization for the lug connector is established, which refers to the minimal mass as objective and subjects to the maximum stress and the fatigue life. Finally, by using the sequential quadratic programming algorithm, a final lug connector model which meets to the constraint conditions is obtained.This paper studies the topology optimization and the parametric design method, and gets a set of efficient and practical optimal design scheme for lug connectors, which will provide important reference for the design of engineering structures.