A location optimization method for aircraft weakly-rigid structures

Abstract

Since aircraft weakly-rigid structure has large size and weak stiffness, there has serious deformation during assembly process. The current deformation analysis theory of rigid assembly is not applicable. Based on the N-2-1 (N > 3) locating principle, this paper presents a methodology for weakly-rigid parts. An optimization algorithm combines finite element analysis and nonlinear programming methods to find the optimal number and position of the locating points in order to minimize the assembly deformation. An example application study is presented to demonstrate the optimization procedure and its effectiveness by using the software of ABAQUS.