Design and Optimization of Innovative CFRP Central Cylinder for Satellite

This paper deals with weight optimization of the central cylinder (CC) made of Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sandwich material using topologic optimization to be more advantageous over other types of the CC in terms of weight and cost. After finding optimal lay-up, orientations and number of laminate layers of CFRP sandwich cylindrical shell according to loads, which varies with location, topologic shape optimization was carried out using various form of holes. After topologic optimization based on removal of the lowest stressed locations, the shape of holes were decided. The results of study are applied to an actual design of the CC for a communication satellite platform. Preliminary structural design approach agree quite well with the analysis results. Theoretically, significant mass reduction, as compared to current satellite CC, is obtained after the optimization. The study is useful for the optimized design and analysis of the CFRP CC and metallic CC as well.