Paper number 357

GRID STIFFENED STRUCTURES: A SURVEY OF FABRICATION, ANALYSIS AND DESIGN METHODS

Steven M. Huybrechts, Ph.D.¹, Steven E. Hahn², Troy E. Meink¹

1 Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Lab
AFRL/VSDV, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, 87117, United States of America
2 Boeing Space and Defense, The Boeing Company
PO Box 3707, Seattle, Washington, 98124, United States of America

Summary

This paper documents the recent history of grid stiffened structures and summarizes existing successful analysis and manufacturing methods. Grid stiffened structures, shells supported by a grid lattice of stiffeners, have been researched for many decades as a possible replacement to monocoque, skin-stringer, and honeycomb sandwich structures. In the past 10 years, these structures have finally become an option to structural designers, with several successful analysis and manufacturing methods developed and demonstrated. This paper surveys the analysis and manufacturing methods that have been successfully proven. In addition, a comprehensive survey of lessons learned, manufacturing issues encountered, and existing trade studies is presented. This survey is preceded by a history of grid stiffened structures and a review of their advantages, disadvantages and potential uses.

Keywords

grid structures, advanced grid stiffened structures, rib reinforcement, isogrid, orthogrid, aerospace structure manufacturing, composite structures.