Exploring Optimal Design Spaces for Bistable Deployable Composite Booms: A Many-Objective Optimization Perspective

Bistable deployable composite booms (Bi-DCBs) have broad application prospects in space deployable structures due to unique bistable characteristics, efficient stowage, lightweight, and excellent mechanical properties. However, the contrasting structural requirements (i.e., stiffness, stability) and operational requirements (i.e., lightweight, compact, and stowage) pose challenges to engineering design. To overcome this issue, this paper proposes a many-objective optimization formulation for the Bi-DCB, leveraging the respective advantages of the analytical and surrogate models, aiming to achieve a balance between multiple objectives, thereby obtaining the optimal comprehensive performance. In this formulation, the cross-sectional radius, cross-sectional angle, and length are selected as design variables while ensuring that the Bi-DCB does not fail during operation. Based on these, an optimization model is established with the objectives to minimize the linear density and the longitude-sectional polar radius at the endpoint and to maximize the average strain energy and the natural frequency. To verify optimal results, benchmark testing and performance evaluation are conducted using different algorithms, and the Pareto front containing 112 solutions is ultimately found, all superior to the initial sample in four objectives. These solutions achieve a good balance and coordination among multiple objectives, providing optimal performance schemes for the design of the Bi-DCB.