Sequential aero-structural optimization method for efficient bridge design

AbstractThe recent development of aerostructural optimization methods provides a powerful tool to achieve costeffective and safe designs for windsensitive structures. However, pursuing holistic formulations involves adopting many design variables and constraints, which increases the computational burden preventing the application of nonlinear methods for accurately assessing aeroelastic responses. This paper proposes a sequential aerostructural optimization (SASO) method to improve the efficiency of holistic windresistant design optimization of windsensitive structures. The original problem is uncoupled into two standalone optimization problems: a structural size optimization and an aeroelastic shape optimization, linked by an adaptive mapping surrogate and an outer loop. This strategy permits the designspace dimensionality reduction and avoids the computation of multiple sensitivities with low influence on the design decisions. A longspan bridge is successfully optimized. The convergence is drastically accelerated by minimizing the number of aeroelastic evaluations, opening the way to implement nonlinear aeroelastic performancebased design optimizationframeworks.

Sequential aero-structural optimization method for efficient bridge design Academic Article