Optimization of the static and dynamic characteristics of plates with isogrid stiffeners

In this paper, the orientation angles of stiffeners arranged in the form of isogrid configuration over a flat plate are selected to optimize the static and dynamic characteristics of these plates/stiffeners assemblies. The static characteristics are optimized by maximizing the critical buckling loads of the isogrid plate, while the dynamic characteristics are optimized by maximizing multiple natural frequencies of the stiffened plate.A finite element model is developed to describe the statics and dynamics of Mindlin plates which are stiffened with arbitrarily oriented stiffeners. The model is used as a basis for optimizing separately or simultaneously the critical buckling loads and natural frequencies of the plates per unit volume of the plates/stiffeners assemblies.Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the utility of the developed model and optimization procedures. The presented approach can be invaluable in the design of plates with isogrid stiffeners for various vibration and noise control applications.