Optimization of Rectangular Plate with Circular Opening to Improve Buckling Characteristics

The use of stiffeners in improving structural integrity and buckling resistance of plates has been under investigation from last few decades. The current research investigates the use of I shaped stiffener in improving strength and buckling characteristics of rectangular plate with circular opening. The rectangular plate is applied with vertical loading conditions to determine stresses, deformation and buckling characteristics. The FEA analysis is conducted using ANSYS 18.1 software and dimensions of stiffener is optimized using Taguchi response surface method. The responses of optimization parameters are generated, and sensitivities are plotted along with goodness of fit curve. The significant improvement of strength is observed with optimized dimensions of stiffener. The sensitivity plot generated through response surface optimization method enabled to analyze individual effect of optimization parameters, i.e., beam lower width (x₁) and beam upper width (x₂) in improving load-bearing capability of flat plates subjected to vertical loads. The method also enabled to determine optimized value of both variables, i.e., beam lower width (x₁) and beam upper width (x₂) which would enable engineers to design best possible flat plates for various industrial applications.