Anisogrid Optimization
Fomentar la independencia, la competitividad y la innovación en el sector espacial europeo es una de las prioridades de la Comisión Europea. El costoso acceso al Espacio dificulta efectivamente (o incluso impide) el desarrollo de nuevos modelos de negocios. Como estimación aproximada, cada kilogramo enviado al espacio cuesta más de 4 k€ para órbitas terrestres bajas y 18 k€ para órbitas geoestacionarias. Sin embargo, estos altísimos precios no impiden el envío anual de más de 200 toneladas al espacio ni que existan actualmente más de 2,000 satélites operativos orbitando la Tierra, incluso sin incluir las nuevas constelaciones de satélites como StarLink o OneWeb. Estos hechos evidencian el papel esencial que juega el espacio en las telecomunicaciones, la geolocalización, la inteligencia o la ciencia modernas, por poner solo algunos ejemplos.
Despite the clear trend toward reducing the size and weight of satellites, more than 95 % of the mass launched into orbit still corresponds to relatively large satellites (>500 kg). On average, about 20 % of the dry mass of satellites and launch vehicles corresponds to support structures. These are generally designed using sandwich-type composite panels, carbon-fiber laminates, or aluminum monocoques. Although these technologies are already well established and lightweight, disruptive anisogrid technology offers additional advantages in weight efficiency and manufacturing. In such lattice structures, the optimal distribution of strut sections provides the stiffness required to avoid buckling and fully exploit the material’s strength.
However, achieving the lightest possible configuration (i.e., the optimal thickness and geometry of the struts) while meeting design specifications (loads and constraints) is a computationally intensive challenge. To address this, we have developed a proof-of-concept server for fast and automated sizing of anisogrid structures. Our experimental web server (Software-as-a-Service) at https://server.anisopter.com is capable of exploring millions of configurations in minutes and generating structures as light or lighter than competing designs.
(*) This earlier version has been replaced. Please contact us for more information.
Figure 1. Proof of concept for rapid optimization of grid-cylinder structures.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 868615. It has been developed in collaboration with ezeQ Apps. More information at HTTPS://CORDIS.EUROPA.EU/PROJECT/ID/868615/REPORTING
