Optimization of steel plate girders in bending: Using FEM-analyses on S690 and S890 steel plate girders

A parametric study, using the FEM-software package ABAQUS, validated on experimental results found by Abspoel, was conducted on S690 steel plate girders to address if the results of the previous researches was valid. Using a slightly different analytical model the results show the maximum web slenderness of this steel grade in both 6000 mm2 and...

Buckling and first-ply failure optimization of stiffened variable angle tow panels

A computationally efficient two-level design methodology is developed for the optimization of stiffened compression loaded panels having variable stiffness panels as their skin. In the first step extensive bay panel optimization is performed using a Rayleigh-Ritz energy method coupled with a specialized Genetic Algorithm. Results in agreement...

Buckling optimization of steering stiffeners for grid-stiffened composite structures

Grid-stiffened composite structures, where the skin is stiffened by a lattice of stiffeners, not only allow for significant reduction in structural weight but are also competitive in terms of structural stability and damage tolerance compared with sandwich composite structures. As the development of Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) technology...

A CAD-system for the design of stiffened panels in wing box structures

In this paper the CAD system DESTIP is described. DESTIP is developed at the NLR for designing compression panels in wing box structures. Application of the system yields optimal panels in the sense that they meet all the requirements imposed by the designer and have minimum weight per unit width. Weight reductions ranging from 0 to 10% have...