Geometry and size optimization of stiffener layout for three-dimensional box structures with maximization of natural frequencies

Based on the growth mechanism of natural biological branching systems and inspiration from the morphology of plant root tips, a bionic design method called Improved Adaptive Growth Method (IAGM) has been proposed in the authors’ previous research and successfully applied to the reinforcement optimization of three-dimensional box structures with respect to natural frequencies. However, as a kind of ground structure methods, the final layout patterns of stiffeners obtained by using the IAGM are highly subjected to their ground structures, which restricts the optimization effect and freedom to further improve the dynamic performance of structures. To solve this problem, a novel post-processing geometry and size optimization approach is proposed in this article. This method takes the former layout optimization result as start, and iteratively finds the optimal layout angles, locations, and lengths of stiffeners with a few design variables by optimizing the positions of some specific node lines called active node lines. At the same time, thicknesses of stiffeners are also optimized to further improve natural frequencies of three-dimensional box structures. Using this method, stiffeners can be successfully separated from their ground structures and further effectively improve natural frequencies of three-dimensional box structures with less material consumption. Typical numerical examples are illustrated to validate the effectiveness and advantages of the suggested method.