Bending Calculation and Stiffness Optimization of Composite Stiffened Panels

A theoretical model of bending deformation is derived for the composite hat stiffened panel under distributed load and clamped support. The reliability of the theoretical model is verified by comparing its results with the FEM results through an example. Based on the model and with the help of optimization software Isight, the sensitivity of the ply angle and geometric size to the objective function is analyzed, and main design variables are found, the influence of which on the objective function is studied. Then stiffness optimization design of composite stiffened panels is carried out. The results show that the ply angle, ply height, and the angle between the bevel and the panel of the hat stiffener are the main variables that affect the bending stiffness and deflection, and the first aim of optimization is to increase the longitudinal bending stiffness coefficient. There are many optimization schemes for an optimization goal, the engineering designer can choose a suitable one according to the specific demand. © 2023 Editorial office of Ship Building of China. All rights reserved.