Shape Optimizing Design of Kiewiti Spherical Reticulated Shell

Abstract

With gross weight minimum of reticulated shell (including elements and nodes) as the objective function, with cross section size of elements, the volume of spherical nodes and shell shape parameter (kn, nx) as design variables, a two-level shape optimizing mathematical model of spherical reticulated shell, which is based on discrete variables, is established, and the corresponding optimizing design programmes are made. Model establishing with modeling macro program of spherical reticulated shell parameterization, using ANSYS software for the structure force analysis, this programme has the characteristics of high optimizing efficiency with multiple designing schemes, and high analyzing and computing accuracy. Some practical and valuable conclusions are reached by the analysis and comparisons of optimizing design results of 42 Kiewit spherical reticulated shells with six kinds of span and seven kinds of rise-span ratios