Bi-Directional Evolutionary Topology Optimization Design for Rib Structures

The performance of modern high-speed aircraft is intrinsically linked to structural mass. As a key component that generates lift, the shape and lightweight of the wing are crucial for improving aircraft performance. This study employs the bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method to perform topology optimization on the wingrib structure of a modern high-speed fighter aircraft. Minimize the overall strain energy as the objective and use the wing rib volume fraction as the constraint to perform topology optimization design on the wing ribs. Based on element stress/strain energy density criteria, the method iteratively adds or removes material to efficiently construct optimal load-transfer paths within the rib configuration. Following the redesign according to the optimized topology, the structural mass was reduced by 39.236% while satisfying strength and stiffness constraints. Results demonstrate that the BESO methodology effectively generates high-efficiency load-bearing configurations for wing ribs, significantly improving material utilization efficiency and structural performance while substantially reducing wing mass. This research provides an effective approach for lightweight design and performance enhancement of critical load-bearing structures in modern high-speed aircraft.