Date of Award

12-1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Robert Canfield, PhD

Abstract

The analysis and design criteria of fracture mechanics are investigated for implementation with the Automated Structural Optimization System (ASTROS) global optimization design tool. The main focus is the optimal design of aircraft wing panels by applying fracture mechanics design criteria within the global finite element model. This effort consists of four main phases: investigation of fracture mechanics analysis methods and design criteria, formulation of a computational technique for damage tolerance design consistent with global optimization requirements, integration of the technique into the ASTROS design tool, and demonstration of the results.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAE-ENY-95D-18

DTIC Accession Number

ADA306563

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