Aircraft preliminary design and optimization relies on the dynamic response of complex structures such as wings. This analysis cannot leverage high-fidelity analysis that typically involves computationally expensive three-dimensional (3-D) finite element models. Complex structures can be reduced to one-dimensional (1-D) structures, known as stick models to decrease computational time. Instead, this paper presents a methodology for reducing the 3-D model of a complex structure into an equivalent beam-like model to obtain a set of elastic constants for its distinct cross sections using the variational asymptotic method. This is followed by the application of geometrically exact beam theory to obtain the 1-D displacements for the entire structure. A key step in creating the beam model presented in this work is the approximation of sectional stiffness properties for the equivalent beam cross section against the stiffness properties of its 3-D counterpart. A stiffness matching procedure is developed to obtain a stiffness matrix by altering material properties in the derived geometric model. This procedure ensures that the intricate details of the complex 3-D structure are not lost. Validation of the proposed model is provided by comparing against 3-D finite element analysis. Such a formulation is well suited for the design of any aperiodic, inhomogeneous complex structure. This methodology enables designers to capture features in a conceptual design that are typically considered only in the detailed design. Thus, it reduces the need for computationally expensive tools. The present approach is well-suited for an optimization framework and is being further developed as such.
Beam Theory for Asymptotic Analysis of Aperiodic and Inhomogeneous Structures
AIAA Journal ; 57 , 10 ; 4155-4168
01.10.2019
Aufsatz (Konferenz) , Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Dimensional Reduction Technique for Analysis of Aperiodic Inhomogeneous Structures (AIAA 2018-0698)
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2018
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