Design and topological optimization of rear pressure bulkhead for a typical aircraft

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the model of a rear pressure bulkhead with different design optimizations to meet the pressurized cabin requirements of an aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of the static analysis of a dome-shaped rear pressure bulkhead model designed in Catia-v5. Numerical analysis of model meshed in hyper-mesh and solved using Opti-Struct for iterative design optimizations.

Findings

All the iterative models are analyzed at 9 Psi. Rear pressure bulkhead designed with L-section stringer shows better results than the model optimized with T-section stringer for the same thickness. The model optimized with L-shaped stinger also reduces the weight of the bulkhead without affecting the structural integrity.

Practical implications

It has been concluded in this paper that the selection of specific shapes of the stringers shows a significant influence on weight reduction.

Originality/value

This paper provides a topical, technical insight into the design and development of a rear pressure bulkhead. It also outlines the future development of dome-shaped rear pressure bulkhead.

Citation

Thakran, M., Meenakshi, Sharma, J. and Martin, C.G. (2021), "Design and topological optimization of rear pressure bulkhead for a typical aircraft", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 93 No. 7, pp. 1213-1220. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-05-2020-0097