Optimization of the rod forces in the reticular support structure of JUNO central detector

Abstract

The structure of Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) central detector is a complex structure subjected to a complex environment. The inner continuous acrylic spherical shell is connected to the outer reticulated stainless-steel (SS) shell through SS rods, and all these structural components are supported by an SS supporting frame. The inner shell is subjected to considerable buoyancy since the detection liquid inside the inner shell has less density than the outside water. Optimization of load path of such an underground structure subjected to buoyancy and pressure loads is difficult due to these complex situations, and in this paper, we tackle the problem of finding the optimal load path to minimize the rod forces. We adopt three types of design variables relevant to the load path, i.e., rod locations, chimney liquid level, and disc spring stiffness. Specifically, B-spline function is adopted to map the rod locations so as to significantly reduce the number of variables, and the chimney liquid level that influences the pressure distribution is taken as a new type of design variable. Subsequently, a numerical method combining the finite element analysis and a derivative-free optimization algorithm is proposed. Based on the optimization results, influences of the design variables, including their types, number, and initial values, on the optimal solutions are discussed in depth. The results suggest that the chimney liquid level and disc spring stiffness have a global effect of shifting rod force distribution, while distribution of rod forces strongly depends on the rod locations. The proposed method is shown to be effective to find an optimal load path of a complex spherical shell structure under various nonlinear constraints.