Publication

Abstract : Interstage structures are critical components that connect various stages of a launch vehicle, each equipped with its own fuel storage and propulsion system. These structures enable staging, where rocket stages are sequentially fired to break through earth's atmosphere and enter space. Their design focuses on meeting growing performance demands through lightweight materials and increased structural efficiency, achieved by reducing weight without compromising strength and stability. Commonly used configurations, such as monocoque, semi-monocoque, and isogrid, were selected in this study for their applications in the aerospace industry. This study demonstrates significant mass optimization of cylindrical interstage structures, using ABAQUS for detailed modeling and analysis. Focusing on specific dimensions (cylinder height and diameter) and defined loading conditions, preliminary designs of the configurations were developed and analyzed. Lightweight materials were employed to achieve the minimum possible mass. The monocoque configuration resulted in a maximum weight of 808.46 kg, while the isogrid configuration significantly reduced the mass to 534 kg. To evaluate structural and dynamic behavior, static and buckling analyses were performed, both with and without an applied pressure of 10 kPa, along with free vibration analysis. This comprehensive approach highlights the efficiency of isogrid designs for weight-sensitive applications and establishes a robust methodology for developing lightweight, high-performance structures using advanced simulation tools.