Experimental validation of the utility of structural optimization

Abstract

This paper addresses the topic of validating structural optimization methods by use of experimental results. The paper describes the need for validating the methods as a way of effecting a greater and an accelerated acceptance of formal optimization methods by practicing engineering designers. The range of validation strategies is defined which includes comparison of optimization results with more traditional design approaches, establishing the accuracy of analyses used, and finally experimental validation of the optimization results. The remainder of the paper describes examples of the use of experimental results to validate optimization techniques. The examples include experimental validation of the following: optimum design of a trussed beam; combined control-structure design of a cable-supported beam simulating an actively controlled space structure; minimum weight design of a beam with frequency constraints; minimization of the vibration response of helicopter rotor blade; minimum weight design of a turbine blade disk; aeroelastic optimization of an aircraft vertical fin; airfoil shape optimization for drag minimization; optimization of the shape of a hole in a plate for stress minimization; optimization to minimize beam dynamic response; and structural optimization of a low vibration helicopter rotor.