Shape-sizing nested optimization of deployable structures using SQP

Abstract

The potential role of formal structural optimization was investigated for designing foldable and deployable structures in this work. Shape-sizing nested optimization is a challenging design problem. Shape, represented by the lengths and relative angles of elements, is critical to achieving smooth deployment to a desired span, while the section profiles of each element must satisfy structural dynamic performances in each deploying state. Dynamic characteristics of deployable structures in the initial state, the final state and also the middle deploying states are all crucial to the structural dynamic performances. The shape was represented by the nodal coordinates and the profiles of cross sections were represented by the diameters and thicknesses. SQP (sequential quadratic programming) method was used to explore the design space and identify the minimum mass solutions that satisfy kinematic and structural dynamic constraints. The optimization model and methodology were tested on the case-study of a deployable pantograph. This strategy can be easily extended to design a wide range of deployable structures, including deployable antenna structures, foldable solar sails, expandable bridges and retractable gymnasium roofs.

Keywords

deployable structures / optimization / minimum mass / dynamic constraints / SQP (sequential quadratic programming) algorithm

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