Integrated design optimization of stiffened plate structures

Topology optimization and conventional structural sizing optimization proce dures are used together to obtain optimum designs for plate structures A th ree-layer, Mindlin-Reissner plate model is first used with topology optimiz ation to determine optimal stiffening zones. The central layer represents t he unstiffened plate and the symmetrically located upper and lower layers a re potential stiffening zones. A stiffening volume is specified and the obj ective is to minimize the strain energy. From these stiffening zones, a set of centre lines of equivalent stiffening Timoshenko beam elements as selec ted A sizing optimization procedure is then used to optimize the stiffener dimensions. The objective of the design in the final sizing optimization st age is to minimise the strain energy keeping the total stiffened plate volu me constant The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed strategy is illustr ated through several applications.