Parametric modeling and shape optimization design of five extended cylindrical reticulated shells

Abstract

Five extended cylindrical reticulated shells are proposed by changing distribution rule of diagonal rods based on three fundamental types. Modeling programs for fundamental types and extended types of cylindrical reticulated shell are compiled by using the ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL). On this basis, conditional formulas are derived when the grid shape of cylindrical reticulated shells is equilateral triangle. Internal force analysis of cylindrical reticulated shells is carried out. The variation and distribution regularities of maximum displacement and stress are studied. A shape optimization program is proposed by adopting the sequence two-stage algorithm (RDQA) in FORTRAN environment based on the characteristics of cylindrical reticulated shells and the ideas of discrete variable optimization design. Shape optimization is achieved by considering the objective function of the minimum total steel consumption, global and locality constraints. The shape optimization for three fundamental types and five extended types is calculated with the span of 30 m~80 m and rise-span ratio of 1/7~1/3. The variations of the total steel consumption along with the span and rise-span ratio are analyzed with contrast to the results of shape optimization. The optimal combination of main design parameters for five extended cylindrical reticulated shells is investigated. The total steel consumption affected by distribution rule of diagonal rods is discussed. The results show that: (1) Parametric modeling method is simple, efficient and practical, which can quickly generate different types of cylindrical reticulated shells. (2) The mechanical properties of five extended cylindrical reticulated shells are better than their fundamental types. (3) The total steel consumption of cylindrical reticulated shells is optimized to be the least when rise-span ratio is 1/6. (4) The extended type of three-way grid cylindrical reticulated shell should be preferentially adopted in practical engineering. (5) The grid shape of reticulated shells should be designed to equilateral triangle as much as possible because of its reasonable stress and the lowest total steel consumption.