Weapon Weight Reduction Using Genetic Algorithms

The proposed project focuses on the development for an integrated system for structural optimization of weapon system components. The system provides an integrated process for topology optimization, geometry (shape) optimization, and sizing optimization. The software is designed to use 2-D and 3-D finite element solutions from off-the-shelf FEM solvers such as NASTRAN and ABAQUS or an internal FEM solver. Design constraints supported during the optimization process include compliance (stiffness), stress, buckling, and thermal (heat transfer) requirements. In order to reduce development risks, the software will be developed by integrating existing software packages wherever possible. This includes: (1) An off-the-shelf geometry modeling package that provides CAD import/export capabilities, (2) Two optimization packages that provide user-selectable optimization techniques (genetic algorithms and gradient based methods), (3) A FEM mesh generation package, (4) A cross-platform graphical user interface package, and (5) A distributed parallel computing package allowing concurrent execution of numerous trial solutions. The use of a scripting language to integrate the various software components results in a cross-platform application with a built-in scripting interface and API.