Simultaneous size and shape optimization for satellite adapter by using patran command language

Adapter is a widely applied structure connecting satellite and launch vehicle with standard interface. In this paper, the described technique simultaneously uses the size and shape optimization on an engineering satellite adapter to achieve more efficient design. The optimization application is achieved by modifying its shape design variables and performing size optimization to obtain optimal design. The process is formulated in Msc.Patran/Nastran with the help of an algorithm generated by patran command language (PCL). Optimization results proved that the modified adapter greatly enhanced the stiffness and strength of the whole satellite while reducing the adapter weight by around 70%.