Modelling and Structural Analysis of Stiffened Plate in Vertical Configuration Using ANSYS

Stiffeners are generally used in plated structures to enhance its buckling and post-buckling characteristics. The strength of plated structures can be significantly increased by optimizing the dimensions of stiffeners. The current research investigates the use of I-shaped stiffener in vertical configuration in rectangular plate with rectangular opening for improving strength and buckling characteristics. Structural analysis of rectangular plate is done using ANSYS FEA software to determine stresses, strain, deformation, and buckling load. Dimensions of stiffeners are optimized using Taguchi design of experiments (DOE). The responses of different variables are generated along sensitivity plots. Beam lower-width sensitivity percentage is 49.956 (positive) and beam upper-width sensitivity percentage is also 49.956 (positive). Therefore, both beam upper-width dimensions and beam lower-width dimensions have same effect on safety factor observed for SPSW. Therefore, significant improvement of buckling strength is observed with optimized dimensions of stiffener.