The Application of Reliability Based Optimization of Tophat Stiffened Composite Panels Subject to Bi-Directional Buckling Loads

Abstract

Stiffened composite panels are used within many applications, from aerospace to marine applications. Stiffened panels are utilized for their high strength to weight ratio and flexibility of layups while counteracting the low stiffness exhibited by composites. Complications arise when attempting to utilize the full variability of layups in conjunction with reliability constraints creating a complex design problem when constrained by both buckling and material strength. To aid the process of optimizing the design of composite structures and layups, while ensuring a low mass, this paper presents a bi-level optimization scheme for minimization of the weight of tophat stiffened composite panels with probabilistic deflection constraints. To improve the computational efficiency, an energy based grillage method is formulated and applied for the investigation of buckling problems under bi-directional in-plane loads. The method is validated by comparing the results obtained from FE model calculations. The variables that have a large impact on the structural safety have been identified by both safety index and COV based reliability analysis. A parametric study of plate dimensions and loading ratios is conducted to investigate the coupling effects on critical buckling load. The method presented in this paper, makes it possible for engineers to improve their designs, at an early stage, with an integrated consideration between product performance and design parameters.