An optimization-based approach for supporting early product architecture decisions

Paper in proceeding, 2017

An important aspect in designing the product architecture of turbo fan engine structural components is the load path and flow path of the components. We present an approach for deciding the preliminary load carrying configuration or LCC (arrangement of structural elements to carry loads) for a generic, static engine structure during early design phases. The LCC, which is a part of the load path aspect, withstands multiple load cases during engine operation. Each such load case for the LCC can be represented as an interface stiffness optimization problem. Our approach for deciding the preliminary LCC involves individual consideration of a number of problems (load cases), down-selecting a small number of interesting problems, and running a coordinated optimization for the down-selected problems using the non-hierarchical coordination. The optimization yields a compromise solution that can be considered as a starting point for detail design of the integrated product. This approach may allow better design resources allocation, as the obtained solution satisfies a number of load cases on the structure.