Demonstration of structural optimization applied to wind-tunnel model design

One of the most important tasks in the design of an aeroelastically scaled wind-tunnel model wing is making sure the stiffness characteristics are correct. The engineer must design a model structure whose stiffness characteristics match known values. These known values are derived by scaling the stiffness characteristics of the full-size structure that the model represents. In the paper a general purpose finite element based analysis and optimization program was used to design a structure made up of beam and plate elements. Using only the widths of the beam elements as design variables, a design was obtained that satisfied the stiffness constraints, and a sample structure was manufactured.