Topology optimization design and strength analysis of the hoist bracket for rescue helicopters

The hoist bracket links the rescue hoist with the helicopter cabin, and its structure design greatly affects the operation convenience and safety of the hoistman and lifeguard in the rescue process with a helicopter. This paper firstly builds the force model of the hoist and bracket, and gives five kinds of typical working conditions as the design ones of the bracket. Then this paper puts forward a design process of the hoist bracket based on the topology optimization and strength analysis with the 3D modeling and finite element analysis. This design process can make the bracket’s structure lightweight by achieving the optimal material layout under the conditions of maximizing the static stiffness or minimizing the compliance of the bracket. And this improves the dynamic performance of the helicopter, and reduces the fuel consumption and cost under the strength constraints. Finally, taking the design of the hoist bracket used in a rescue helicopter as an example, this paper illustrates the proposed model and method. The analysis results show that the mass of the hoist bracket decreases by 12.5% while the static stiffness of the hoist bracket is achieved. The optimization design results meet the strength requirements of the hoist. © 2016, Shanghai Jiaotong University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.