GAAA-based layout method of locating points for Aero Thin-Walled Structure automated riveting

Aero Thin-Walled Structure (ATWS) is tending to deformed in automated riveting. Fixture plays an important role in enhancing riveting quality of the ATWS assembly process, and an appropriate layout of locating points can decrease the assembly variation substantially. This paper focused on the layout of locating points for ATWS automated riveting, using Genetic Algorithm and Ants Algorithm (GAAA) to minimize the locating points to decrease riveting variation. Firstly, the scheme of locating points is analyzed, and all potential locating points are represented by leveled matrixes. Secondly, on base of the locating point scheme, information of potential locating points is coded as gene, and the configuration of splint is defined as chromosome; the fitness is also defined according to the Key Characteristic Points (KCPs)' riveting variation. Thirdly, the genetic and ants manipulations are discussed individually, and the two parts are connected by threshold value of the probability for chromosome in the genetic manipulation. Lastly, a case of aircraft wing panel is studied, and the finite element analysis result proves that the purposed optimizing method can solve the layout of locating point for ATWS automated riveting well.