OBJECT-ORIENTED, OPTIMIZATION-BASED DESIGN OF SATELLITE STRUCTURES

This paper focuses on the application of rigorous optimization methods to the design of complete satellite structural subsystems. It discuss es a software system being developed which is based on a combination o f finite-element analysis using MSC/NASTEAN, numerical optimization, a pproximation concepts, and object-oriented technology. The benefits of object-oriented design, in the context of satellite structural optimi zation, are identified. In addition, an approach to system optimizatio n, including multilevel and coupled subsystem optimization is explored . Finally, the application of this software to the actual design of tw o satellite structures is presented.