Rib layout optimization of stiffened square plates based on a meshfree model and a hybrid genetic algorithm

Abstract

Abstract In order to minimize the central deflection of stiffened square plates under different loads, stiffener/rib layout optimization of stiffened plate is studied in the present work based on meshfree method and a hybrid genetic algorithm. The stiffened plates are composed of flat plates and straight beams with constant cross section. In order to combine the flat plates and beams, are introduced. The calculate method of the stiffened plate is the meshfree method, and the ribs can be placed beyond mesh lines. During the entire process of rib layout optimization, no remeshing of the plate is required, which is convenient in programming and cost-efficient in computation. The optimization is carried out through the hybrid genetic algorithm which combines the genetic algorithm (GA) and the controlled random search algorithm. The controlled random search algorithm can effectively shorten the computation time of the genetic algorithm and increase the probability to find the efficient points. The validity and adaptability of the proposed method are tested by calculating several numerical examples.