Optimization of a Stiffened Interstage Structure of a Launch Vehicle using Differential Evolution Algorithm in Indigenous FE Software

Abstract

Optimization has become synonymous to improvement in the context of design of launch vehicle structures. Problem is challenging because it not only involves multiple variable but also multiple objectives and constraints. The paper presents a method to optimize a stiffened interstage structure of a launch vehicle using differential evolution algorithm. The optimization was carried out to find the optimal number of stiffeners required and the optimal geometry of the hat stiffener that will minimize the hardware mass for specified axial compressive load, natural frequency and the strength of the material. The proposed method is implemented in finite element analysis software using Python based scripting.