Streamline stiffener path optimization (SSPO) for embedded stiffener layout design of non-uniform curved grid-stiffened composite (NCGC) structures

A bio-inspired concept of non-uniform curved grid-stiffened composite structures with embedded stiffeners (embedded NCGCs) is proposed in the paper. Shallow curved stiffeners are embedded in the laminate skin to form an integrated structure to improve the skin–stiffener deformation compatibility. A method named streamline stiffener path optimization (SSPO) based on multiscale modeling is proposed for curved stiffener layout design of embedded NCGCs. Firstly, the homogenization-based global/local analysis is used to calculate structural responses on a global unstiffened model with the equivalent material properties obtained from local representative cell configurations (RCCs). Secondly, the discrete distribution of 2D curved stiffener paths is transformed into a continuous distribution of the streamline function values (SFVs) on a 3D level set surface. The stiffener path description using the streamline function is similar as the level set method with specific constraints. Projections of points with the same integral SFVs will form one stiffener path. Thirdly, optimal curved stiffener layout is achieved using shape design of local parallelogram representative cell configurations with analytical sensitivities calculated using the affine mapping from the square master domain to the parallelogram RCCs. Fourthly, stiffener spacing and angle constraints are added for manufacturing considerations and local buckling resistance, and optimization design is implemented to maximize the buckling load within a given weight. Finally, numerical examples of a square laminated panel under uniaxial and biaxial compressions validate the effectiveness of the proposed SSPO method and indicate the significant improvement of the buckling loads by steering the stiffener paths.