Thoughts on the rational layout of automatic pipelines in aircraft engines brought by biomechanical co-evolutionary algorithm and improved A* algorithm

In the field of biomechanics, the delicate structural layout of living organisms often brings many inspirations for engineering design. As in the case of aero-engine piping layout, the current single- and multi-tube layouts are ineffective and need to be optimised. Inspired by the efficient material transfer and space utilisation mechanisms of biological systems, we propose an automatic pipe layout method for aero-engine based on co-evolutionary algorithm and improved A* algorithm. Taking inspiration from how biological networks adapt and optimize their connections, we first construct an improved A* algorithm. Through optimizing node coordinate expression, enhancing the evaluation function, introducing a directional strategy, and improving the OPEN_LIST, it becomes a potent tool. When applied to single-pipe layout in aero-engines and compared with the original A* algorithm, its advantages are evident. Subsequently, mimicking the collaborative evolution seen in ecological systems, we combine the co-evolutionary algorithm with a new evaluation function to develop a further improved A* algorithm for multi-pipe layouts. Finally, simulations confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of our proposed method. For single pipes, similar to nature's way of streamlining structures, our method significantly reduces pipe length and the number of elbows while effectively avoiding key equipment. The improved A* algorithm cuts pipe lengths by 12.8275% and 19.4843% respectively and boosts the computation speed by remarkable percentages. For multi-pipes, it enhances space utilization and reduces time cost. The improved algorithm reduces the number of traversing nodes from 3067 to 1968 and shortens the planning time from 20.34 s to 7.26 s, demonstrating its great efficacy.