| dc.description.abstract | Preliminary design is a complicated problem that is often solved using topology optimization. In this work, a heuristic approach to topology optimization is considered. This approach involves the coupling of a genetic optimization with a parallel rewriting system, known as an L-System. This approach encodes design variables into a string of characters that are then coupled with an interpreter to develop a structure in a given domain. By considering a heuristic bio-inspired approach over more traditional density and level set topology approaches, we are able to avoid numerical issues and rapid increasing design space dimensionality associated with complicated multi objective problems. In this work a new interpreter for L-Systems, called the Spatial Interpretation for the Design of Reconfigurable Structures (SPIDRS), is applied to several design problems. This work seeks to show SPIDRS as a powerful preliminary design tool for difficult problems that lack traditional engineering intuition.
First, a morphing airfoil inspired by the rotor blade of the UH-60 is considered. SPIDRS is utilized to determine the internal structural layout as well as the placement of actuators to facilitate morphing to meet a shape objective while minimizing mass. A coupled fluid structure interaction (FSI) evaluation is performed using the finite element method (Abaqus) and vortex lattice method (XFOIL). The resulting final shape of the airfoil, as determined by the FSI evaluation, and the mass are used as objectives in a genetic optimization
Second, a set of origami fold design problems are considered. SPIDRS is first validated using the well established square twist pattern and the results are compared to previous work in the literature. SPIDRS is then used with an arbitrary continuous kinematic objective to determine its ability to evolve towards an unknown solution pattern. The standard square twist pattern is also utilized to evaluate the efficacy of altering the original SPIDRS production rules for use specifically in origami. | en |
