Optimization of a representative wing component using a Genetic Algorithm

This thesis aims to study the design and optimization of composite wing components for aircraft, focusing on the pivotal goal of reducing weight while preserving and enhancing structural performance. This is one of the goals of the COST Action joined in the span of the thesis: CA18203 - Optimising Design for Inspection (ODIN). Within this COST...

Pre-Design Assessment of Demountable Short Superstructures

Rijkswaterstaat aims to build circularly from 2030 onward, with the purpose of having a fully circular economy by 2050. Therefore, the aim of this study is to design a reusable modular superstructure, with a small span, which can replace an existing so-called volstortligger superstructure. This is a structure that Dura Vermeer often uses and it...

Design Optimization of Variable-Stiffness Composite Panels under Thermomechanical Loads

Striving to improve structural efficiency the aerospace industry shows increasing interest in variable-stiffness composite laminates. Advanced fiber placement is a hybrid manufacturing technique that offers the flexibility of both filament winding and automated tape laying. With the development of this novel system curved tows can be placed and...

Surrogate-based aerodynamics for composite wing box sizing

The main objective of this paper is to propose an aeroelastic optimization approach capable of performing structural sizing optimization considering structural and aerodynamic constraints. The proposed approach uses a detailed FE model of a composite wing with shell elements in order to obtain realistic weight estimation and structural...

Optimal Design of Variable Stiffness Composite Structures using Lamination Parameters

Fiber reinforced composite materials have gained widespread acceptance for a multitude of applications in the aerospace, automotive, maritime and wind-energy industries. Automated fiber placement technologies have developed rapidly over the past two decades, driven primarily by a need to reduce manufacturing costs and improve product consistency...