Structural optimization for multiple structure cases and multiple payload cases with a two-level multipoint approximation method

This paper is to address structural optimization problems where multiple structure cases or multiple payload cases can be considered simultaneously. Both types of optimization problems involve multiple finite element models at each iteration step, which draws high demands in optimization methods. Considering the common characteristic for these two types of problems, which is that the design domain keeps the same no matter what the structure cases or payload cases are, both problems can be formulated into the unified expressions. A two-level multipoint approximation (TMA) method is firstly improved with the use of analytical sensitivity analysis for structural mass, and then this improved method is utilized to tackle these two types of problems. Based on the commercial finite element software MSC.Patran/Nastran, an optimization system for multiple structure cases and multiple payload cases is developed. Numerical examples are conducted to verify its feasibility and efficiency, and the necessity for the simultaneous optimizations of multiple structure cases and multiple payload cases are illustrated as well.