A dimensionality reduction and layout optimization scheme for grid-stiffened structures

ABSTRACT

When directly solving the layout optimization design problem of grid-stiffened structures with large-scale discrete design variables, gradient-based methods and intelligent optimization algorithms are rendered ineffective owing to multilocal optimal traps and the discrete variable space with extremely large dimensionality. A new layout optimization design scheme for grid-stiffened structures is proposed in this study, based on the continuous representation of discrete variables and a dimensionality reduction method. In this method, first, a discrete stiffener layout is described by a bounded field with space correlation and transformed into continuous design variables using material interpolation. Then, to significantly reduce the dimensionality of the design space, a series expansion approach is adopted. Finally, a sequential optimization strategy combined with the kriging surrogate model is used to successfully solve optimization problems. Layout optimization designs, including a stiffened plate and a space-borne antenna reflector, are proposed to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the proposed method.

KEYWORDS:

• Layout optimization
• grid-stiffened structures
• discrete variables
• series expansion
• kriging surrogate model

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The raw/processed data required to reproduce these findings will be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant numbers 11972104 and 52275237]; the Shenzhen Stability Support Key Program in Colleges and Universities of China (GXWD20220817133329001).