NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF UNITIZED BEAM MODEL

This paper presents the numerical and experimental validation of a variable stiffness box beam model made by an arrangement of stiffened and unstiffened panels. The derivation of the equivalent properties of curvilinear stiffened plates is briefly summarized. The validity of the equivalent continuum plate model is assessed. The governing equations of the variable stiffness boxbeam are presented. Once the model is established, the stiffeners’ path to attain a desired static performance is sought. The optimal configuration is determined by a topology optimization problem where the design variables become the orientation of the curved stiffeners at prescribed points. Several analytical examples along with one experiment are presented to show the validity of the model presented herein.