Numerical design optimisation for the Karoo Array Telescope
Date
2009-03
Authors
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Although mass minimisation is an important application within structural
optimisation, other applications include: (1) concept generation, (2) concept
evaluation, (3) design for structural feasibility and (4) data matching. These
applications, except data matching, are discussed and illustrated on a prototype
design of the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT) antenna. The KAT passed through
the design process and a full scale prototype was built, but was found to be too
expensive. A detailed finite element model of the finalised design was considered
as a test bed for reducing costs.
Size-, shape- and topology optimisation are applied to three KAT components,
while considering wind, temperature and gravity loads. Structural- and nonstructural
constraints are introduced. Coupling of the structural optimisation
code with an external analysis program to include non-structural responses and
the parallelisation of the sensitivity calculations are presented.
It is shown that if a finite element model is available, it is generally possible
to apply structural optimisation to improve an existing design. A reduction of
2673 kg steel was accomplished for the existing KAT components. The total cost
saving for the project will be significant, when considering that a large amount
of antennas will be manufactured.
Description
Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Karoo Array Telescope, Numerical design optimisation, Dissertations -- Mechanical engineering, Theses -- Mechanical engineering