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A mathematical optimization problem is formulated to design several components of an electrical power distribution system for next generation aircraft. A simple interconnected system consisting of an input filter and a DC-DC buck converter is used as the prototype for the optimization demonstration. The components are designed for minimum weight subject to performance, stability, and peak voltage constraints. Optimized designs for each of the individual subsystems and for the integrated system are presented. It is shown that there is interaction between the filter design problem and the converter design problem, and that weight improvements can be obtained by considering these interactions. The optimization methodology described enables designers to obtain optimized electric power subsystem designs in a time efficient manner.

The relative efficiencies of the Riks/Wempner, Crisfield, and normal flow solution algorithms for tracking nonlinear equilibrium paths of structural systems are compared. It is argued that the normal flow algorithm may be both more computationally efficient and more robust compared to the other two algorithms when tracing the path through severe nonlinearities such as those associated with structural collapse. This is demonstrated qualitatively by comparing the relative behaviors of each algorithm in the vicinity of a severe nonlinearity. Quantitative results are presented for the collapse a blade stiffened panel.

The relative efficiencies of the Riks/Wempner, Crisfield, and normal flow solution algorithms for tracking nonlinear equilibrium paths of structural systems are compared. It is argued that the normal flow algorithm may be both more computationally efficient and more robust compared to the other two algorithms when tracing the path through severe nonlinearities such as those associated with structural collapse. This is demonstrated qualitatively by comparing the relative behaviors of each algorithm in the vicinity of a severe nonlinearity. Quantitative results are presented for the collapse a blade stiffened panel.