Optimization of structural shapes
Abstract
The direct design of shapes of two dimensional structures, loaded in their plane, within specified design constraints and exhibiting optimum distribution of stresses is studied. Photoelasticity and a large field diffused polariscope is used. The optimization process involves the removal of material (with a hand file or router) from the low stress portions of the hole boundary of the model till an isochromatic fringe coincides with the boundary both on the tensile and compressive segments. Applications are also shown to the design of dove tails and slots in turbine blades and rotors, and to the design of star shaped solid propellant grains for rockets, both for the case of parallel side rays and enlarged tip of rays. The use of other methods, in particular the method using finite elements, to optimize structural forms is discussed.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- April 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981STIN...8231579D
- Keywords:
-
- Optimization;
- Stress Analysis;
- Stress Distribution;
- Structural Design;
- Structural Members;
- Finite Element Method;
- Isochromatics;
- Photoelasticity;
- Polariscopes;
- Engineering (General)