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Combined shape and reinforcement layout optimization of shell structures

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Abstract

This paper presents a combined shape and reinforcement layout optimization method of shell structures. The approach described in this work is applied to optimize simultaneously the geometry of the shell mid-plane as well as the layout of surface stiffeners on the shell. This formulation involves a variable ground structure, since the shape of the shell surface is modified in the course of the process. Here we shall consider a global structural design criterion, namely the compliance of the structure, following basically the classical problem of distributing a limited amount of material in the most favourable way.

The solution to the problem is based on a finite element discretization of the design domain. The material within each of the elements is modelled by a second-rank layered Mindlin plate microstructure. By a simple modification, this type of microstructure can be used to find the optimum distribution of stiffeners on shell structures. The effective stiffness properties are computed analytically through a “smear-out” procedure. The proposed method has been implemented into a general optimization software called Odessy and satisfactorily applied to the solution of some numerical examples, which are illustrated at the end of the paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of The Basque Country, Alda, Urquijo s/n, 48013, Bilbao, Spain

    R. Ansola, J. Canales & J.A. Tarrago

  2. Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 101, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark

    J. Rasmussen

Authors
  1. R. Ansola
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  2. J. Canales
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  3. J.A. Tarrago
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  4. J. Rasmussen
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Correspondence to J. Rasmussen.

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Ansola, R., Canales, J., Tarrago, J. et al. Combined shape and reinforcement layout optimization of shell structures. Struct Multidisc Optim 27, 219–227 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-004-0399-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-004-0399-7

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