Finite element analysis of an optimized hybrid stiffened plate

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the modal analysis and buckling of a stiffened plate with simple supported conditions within the framework of shell theory. The main objective of the finite element analysis is to investigate the natural frequencies of this stiffened structure subjected to uniaxial compression on two opposite edges of the plate. In this study, the numerical analysis is performed for such a design of the stiffed plate which has already been optimized for uniaxial compression, some design variables and the cost of welding, and the objective function to be minimized is defined as the material cost. The various Young’s modulus of the base plate and the stiffeners are given thus assuming that the plate parts (the base plate and ribs) were made of different steel materials.