A Study on the Structural Optimum Design Method of Composite Rotor Blade Cross-Section using Genetic Algorithm

In this paper, the structural optimum design method of composite rotor blade cross-section was investigated with the genetic algorithm. An auto-mesh generation program was developed for iterative calculations of optimum design, and stresses in the blade cross-section were analyzed by VABS (variational asymptotic beam sectional analysis) program. Minimum mass of rotor blade was defined as an object function, and stress failure index, center mass and blade minimum mass per unit length were chosen as constraints. Finally, design parameters such as the thickness and layup angles of a skin, and the thickness, position and width of a torsion box were determined through the structural optimum design method of composite rotor blade cross-section presented in this paper.