Structure optimal design of wrap-around fins of the rocket

In order to make the structural mass minimum, the structure optimal design of the wrap-around fins subjected to special aerodynamic loads of the rocket was conducted. In the whole design optimization, six geometry parameters of the wrap-around fins were chosen which include fin length, thickness, leading edge sweepback as the design variables, its intensity and distortion were taken as the restrictions, the finite element method as analytical tool and non-linear program as search algorithm. A preferably result of obvious weight reduction was reached. The weight factors analysis results show that the design variables which have the greatest influences on optimal target and restrictions are the central angle of wrap-around fins and the thickness. Finally, the direction of research of wrap-around fins including the aerodynamic optimization was discussed.