A biologically inspired methodology for multi-disciplinary design optimization

Abstract

Optimization problems in engineering are of major importance for the development of new structures, new materials, and even for new ways of improving engineering that are so demanding in today's industry. The development of a biologically inspired methodology brings new ways for topology optimization to be applied in a multidisciplinary design approach. The process developed in this thesis extends the methodology proposed by Kobayashi for engineering designs to multiply connected regions. The methodology is based on a cellular division model for developing the design topology. The topology generated is then improved using a Genetic Algorithm. The methodology is demonstrated in the design of a structural panel from a satellite at launching conditions. Software was developed to illustrate the applicability of the proposed design approach. The results show how the method improves a given structural problem and compares it to a traditional engineering design.