Optimization of shock isolation frames with triangular grid stiffeners for weight reduction

Abstract

Based on the demand of impact attenuation and weight reduction for launch vehicles’ separation system, three types of aluminum alloy circular shock isolation frames with triangular grid stiffeners have been designed, optimized and analyzed for load-bearing capability. According to the real geometric configuration, the finite element models of the shock isolation frames have been established through FEM parametric modelling based on Python and Abaqus. Combined with the Downhill Simplex algorithm on Isight, the three parameterized models have been optimized with the aim of load-bearing and weight reduction. The optimization results showed that the three optimized frames had the weight reduction of 5.29 kg, 5.94 kg and 6.64 kg compared with the original configurations respectively. Moreover, because of the limitation of shin thickness, the decisive factor affecting the optimization results was the limitation of structural buckling coefficient.