Geodesic algorithm: new approach to optimization of temporary fastener arrangement in airframe assembly process
Robotic Intelligence and Automation
ISSN: 2754-6969
Article publication date: 8 July 2024
Issue publication date: 18 July 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the current study is development of effective and fast algorithm for optimization the arrangement of temporary fasteners during aircraft assembly.
Design/methodology/approach
Combinatorial nature, uncertain input data, sensitivity to mechanical properties and geometric tolerances are the specific features of the fastening optimization problem. These characteristics make the problem-solving by standard methods very resource-intensive because the calculation of the objective function requires multiple solution of contact problems. The work provides an extended description of the geodesic algorithm (GA) which is a novel non-iterative optimization approach avoiding multiple objective function calculations.
Findings
The GA makes it possible to optimize the arrangement of temporary fasteners during the different stages of the assembly process. The objective functions for the optimization are number of installed fasteners and quality of contact between joined parts. The mentioned properties of the GA also make it possible to introduce an automatic procedure for optimizing fastener arrangement into everyday practice of aircraft manufacturing.
Practical implications
The algorithm has been applied to optimization of the assembly process in Airbus company.
Originality/value
Performance of the GA is orders of magnitude greater than standard optimization algorithms while maintaining the quality of results. The use of the assembly process specifics is the main limitation of the GA, because it cannot be automatically applied to optimization problems in other areas. High speed of work and quality of the results make it possible to use it for real optimization problems on assembly line in the production of commercial airliners.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: The research was supported by Russian Science Foundation (project No. 22–19-00062, https://rscf.ru/en/project/22-19-00062).
Statements and declarations: All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
Replication of results: The presented GA was developed in St. Petersburg Polytechnic University within the series of joint projects with Airbus. The source code is implemented in ASRP software (Pogarskaia et al., 2019) which belongs to Airbus and cannot be shared. The authors can provide full access to data on test model (used in Section 5) upon a request.
Citation
Lupuleac, S. and Pogarskaia, T. (2024), "Geodesic algorithm: new approach to optimization of temporary fastener arrangement in airframe assembly process", Robotic Intelligence and Automation, Vol. 44 No. 4, pp. 501-515. https://doi.org/10.1108/RIA-08-2023-0099
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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