Multi-solution pipe-routing method for the aeroengine with route constraints based on multi-objective optimization

The complexity of aeroengine external piping systems necessitates the implementation of automated design processes to reduce the duration of the design cycle. However, existing routing algorithms often fail to meet designer requirements because of the limitations in providing a single solution and the inadequate consideration for route constraints. In this study, we propose the multi-solution pipe-routing method for aeroengines. This method utilizes a hybrid encoding approach by incorporating fixed-length encoding to represent route constraints and variable-length encoding and indicate free-exploration points. This approach enables designers to specify route constraints and iterate over the appropriate number of control points by employing a modified genetic iteration mechanism for variable-length encoding. Furthermore, we employ a pipe-shaped clustering niche method to enhance result diversity. The practicability of the newly proposed method is confirmed through comparative experiments and simulations based on the "AeroPiping" system developed on Siemens NX. Typical solutions demonstrate significant differences in circumferential and axial orientations while still satisfying engineering constraints.