METHODOLOGY FOR IMPLEMENTING FRACTURE-MECHANICS IN GLOBAL STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF AIRCRAFT

The analysis and design criteria of fracture mechanics are investigate d for implementation with the automated structural optimization system (ASTROS) global optimization design tool. The main focus is the optim al design of aircraft wing panels by applying fracture mechanics desig n criteria within the global finite element model. This effort consist s of four main phases: investigation of fracture mechanics analysis me thods and design criteria, formulation of a computational technique co nsistent with global optimization requirements, integration of the tec hnique into the ASTROS design tool, and demonstration of the results.