EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/J79430/01
Title: ALGORITHMS FOR AVOIDING LOCAL OPTIMA IN AEROSPACE PANEL DESIGN
Principal Investigator: Kennedy, Professor D
Other Investigators:
Williams, Professor F
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Sch of Engineering
Organisation: Cardiff University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 April 1994 Ends: 30 April 1997 Value (£): 101,899
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Design Processes
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Using exact eigenvalue theory, the applicants have developed algorithms for the analysis and design of stiffened panels. Their software is widely used in the aerospace industry. Experience has shown that crucial mass savings are often prevented by convergence on locally optimal designs. Such designs can be avoided or escaped from by adopting recent advances in optimisation theory, including the tunnelling method and the use of an adjoint model. Techniques such as these will be combined to form hybrid global optimisation strategies for lightweight structural design, with consideration given to practical manufacturing requirements. The strategies will be implemented in a testbed version of the applicants' existing software, and evaluated by performing parametric studies on practical panel design problems made available to the applicants through their links with European aerospace manufacturers. The success of the research will enable the testbed software to be developed into a commercially exploitable product for use in aerospace and structural design offices.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.cf.ac.uk