Five alternative configurations of orthogonally stiffened plates are compared in order to identify the total cost optimum design including material and fabrication cost. Size optimization is performed within the limitations of structural component standardization for each of the five alternatives. The five optimal structures are then compared in terms of weight, fabrication, and total cost. Discrete sizing optimization is performed in this paper with two design variables, i.e., plate thickness and standardized beam cross section. Constraints are imposed on secondary and tertiary stresses computed by finite-element analysis (FEA); and on primary stresses to prevent plate buckling, stiffener tripping, and overall buckling. Confidence is established in the FEA results by making comparisons with FEA results using the effective breadth method and orthotropic plate theory. Producibility constraints dictated by standardization in shipyard practice are imposed as well.
Assessment of the Imperfections for Plate Buckling of Unstiffened Plates
