Experiment and optimization of the hat-stringer-stiffened composite panels under axial compression

Several models based on ABAQUS software were established to explore the proper cross section of the hat-stringer tested in this paper. Based on the built-in NLPQL algorithm in iSIGHT and MATLAB codes, optimization of the hat-stringer was done to get an optimal cross section. To help engineers to design an optimal hat-stringer, an engineering method was presented based on the optimization results and an example was used to show how the method worked.