Concurrent topology and fiber orientation optimization of CFRP structures in space-borne optical remote sensor

Abstract

Lightweight design is one of the most important concepts in the design of space-borne optical remote sensors. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), as one material with high ratio of modulus to density, is widely employed to realize the lightweight design. To maximize the stiffness and strength of CFRP with prescribed mass, fiber orientation and topology optimization are accomplished and optimum design result is acquired in this paper. First, the optimization algorithm of fiber orientation is put forward to find the optimal fiber direction and verified by theoretical analysis and simulations, illustrating that [90°/+ 45°/− 45°/0°] fiber orientation and symmetrical laminas are indispensable. Furthermore, the topology optimization algorithm including the density interpolation method and sensitivity analysis method is brought about to find the optimal material distribution. The algorithm is validated to be convergent and can provide a conceptual model which offers a reference for the critical design. Finally, acquired in the mechanical test is the performance of the optical remote sensor whose first three characteristic frequencies are respectively 66.95 Hz, 70.37 Hz, and 98.84 Hz. The mechanical amplification factor is 5.29, which meet the performance requirement of the stiffness and strength for the optical remote sensor.