Shape optimization of a lightweight tetrapod-like superelement

Abstract

Aim of the study was the determination of mini-mum mass optimal shape for a hexagon-type (tetrapod-like) lattice superelement. The optimization was shape parameterization based and accomplished by metamodel-ing approach, also termed subproblem approximation. Prior to it, Latin hypercube type experimental designs were utilized for the study of correlation between selected geo-metric and structural parameters, which was subsequently used for making predictions as to what limits should be chosen for the constraining deformation parameter and what kind of geometries should be obtained. Additional topology optimization results were used as reference for defining thickness distribution functions for the intended shell geometry. The resulting geometries were in accor-dance with the expectations.