Structural optimisation with damage tolerance constraints

Recent developments in cluster computing and structural optimisation offer the potential for significant improvements in the design of more durable structures, and for producing optimum fatigue life extension rework profiles. The present paper reveals the importance of non-destructive inspection (NDI) and the role it plays in determining optimum structural rework geometries. This finding is important since when performing stress based optimisation the interrelationship of NDI and optimum rework geometries is not immediately apparent. The problems studied also reveal the flatness of the solution space and, unlike stress based optimisation, the existence of multiple maxima. Such solution spaces represent a major challenge for any optimisation procedure. To this end we explore the advantages of using the NIMROD optimisation suite of programs in conjunction with A cluster computer architecture and the highlight the benefit of visualizing the solution space.