Development of topology optimization tool

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With 6,200 employees in Canada and a fleet of 50,000 engines flying in 200 countries worldwide, Pratt & Whitney Canada is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines powering business, general aviation ad regional aircraft and helicopters (PWC, www.pwc.ca). As a leader in such a rapidly evolving market, they have a history (and requirement) of perpetual improvement. Innovation in the product design and development is crucial in order to be able to maintain a strong market position in such a demanding industry. While the idea of strong, lightweight products is invariably ideal for any industry, the importance of maximizing performance and reducing design timeframe is amplified greatly particularly in the aircraft industry. The proposed project will aim to develop a topology optimization methodology with multidisciplinary design optimization tool that improves the characteristics of PWC engine components and shorten design and development timeframe. As a first application and a test case, weight minimization of a buffer header cooler bracket of a PWC engine will be conducted by using topology optimization. Final deliverables will include optimized bracket designs along with a final report package including a methodology for topology optimization with multidisciplinary design optimization tool for engine components.