Patent ID: 8051018

Claim:
A computer implemented method for optimizing the design of a shape morphing structure using a genetic algorithm, comprising an act of: causing a processor to execute instructions encoded on a memory, such that upon execution, the processor performs operations of: defining design parameters of a surface having variable properties into a chromosome, the variable properties of the chromosome being the actual properties of the chromosome, and where the chromosome has a total of Nmax genes, where each gene corresponds to a variable property element in the surface, and where each gene has n design parameters, wherein the design parameters are incremental changes to the actual properties of the chromosome, wherein in defining the design parameters, at least one of the design parameters has a binary value and at least one of the design parameters has a range of real values, such that the gene is a hybrid gene with both binary and real values; defining final desired properties of the surface having variable properties; employing a genetic algorithm to optimize the genes until a fitness level for at least one chromosome has been exceeded, and when the fitness value for any chromosome in the population is above a predetermined threshold, then the design process is terminated and a final design solution[s] are the design parameters of the chromosome[s] that exceed the predetermined threshold value; providing the final design solution[s] to a user for use in designing the shape morphing structure; and wherein in the act of defining the design parameters of a surface, the surface is a surface selected from a group consisting of a variable-stiffness surface and a variable length surface.