AN INTRODUCTION TO THE TECHNIQUES OF STRUCTURAL OPTIMISATION

In the past consideration has been given to applying structural optimization programs to design, but performance has been disappointing. This paper demonstrates how the situation has improved due to the ready availability of cheap computing power, the existence of efficient finite element analysis systems and recent developments in optimisation algorithms. Examples are given of using specific algorithms in carbon fibre composite wings and fuselage. The paper concludes with the author's ideas on how the techniques will be applied in the future.