Structural optimization of spacecraft with man-machine interaction

Spacecraft design is a complicated mixed-variable problem, and designer's experience plays a very important role in solving such a problem. Considering the characteristics of spacecraft design, a man-machine interactive optimization method was used in structural design of a satellite. The cross-sectional variables were optimized by numerical algorithm, and the topology variables were adjusted with man-machine interactive ways. Structural analyses for various responses were correspondingly divided into two parts: basic structural analysis and comprehensive structural analysis, which are carried out in cross-sectional optimization and topology adjustment respectively. After iterations the final satisfactory design that met all the required constraints was formed. The application result shows that the method works satisfactorily and effectively.