Topological optimization of an aircraft engine mount via bit-masking oriented genetic algorithms

In the present paper a geometric-topologic structural optimisation procedure of a transport aircraft engine mount is shown. In order to achieve the minimum structural weight under some functional and operative constraints, both static and dynamic aspects have been treated. A parametric FEM model with extended self-consistent topology controls has been developed. The genetic algorithm used for the optimisation procedure was based on a specific bit-masking oriented data structure able to properly handle both continuous and discrete design variables requested by the hybrid geometric-topological model of structure.