Configuration optimum design of grid-stiffened composite panels

Under the global buckling constraint condition, the configuration of grid-stiffened composite panels was optimally designed by means of genetic algorithm. A parameterized smeared stiffened theory was used for the global buckling analysis of grid-stiffened panel. Finally, the optimal result validity was verified by means of finite element analysis. The design variables include axial and transverse stiffener spacing, height and thickness of the stiffener, stiffener configuration, and so on. When all the panel size parameters, design load, boundary conditions and material properties were determined, the method can be applicable for configuration optimum design of the lightest-weight grid-stiffened composite panels.