Project Title:

Optimization of Large Structures in a Massively Parallel Environment

06.11-0700
901520
Optimization of Large Structures in a Massively Parallel Environment

Abstract:

This project will provide an innovative approach to design problems in structural
analysis through the efficient use of the Connection Machine and through new optimization
techniques for SIMD architectures. Project objectives will be to develop a super-efficient
general purpose, analytical/computational tool (computer code) on the massively parallel
CM-2 computer system. This tool can be used for methodology research as well as applications
in structural design analysis/optimization and can be extended to multi-level and/or
multi-disciplinary optimization. An existing efficient, general purpose, nonlinear
optimization code will be adapted, a massively parallel, finite-element analysis/reanalysis
procedure for large structures will be formulated. The end products will be several
efficient, massively parallel structural analysis/optimization algorithms and an
associated general purpose prototype computer code (or code system).
The massively parallel, structural analysis algorithms and an associated general
purpose CM-2 computer code or code system will be particularly useful in design analysis/optimization
of large (or small) aircraft and aerospace structures where minimum weight and/or
pointing accuracy design are of primary importance.
massively parallel, design analysis, optimization, large structures