A method of designing plate structure consisting of lattices and stiffeners based on topology optimization

Abstract

In order to satisfy the lightweight design requirements of the equipment mounting plate in the hypersonic vehicle instrument cabin and improve its static/dynamic performance, a novel structure consisting of both lattices and stiffeners are studied and topology optimization method is proposed in this paper. This structure combines the advantages of lattice structures and conventional stiffened structures. First, the lattice structure is regarded as a kind of virtual material, and its equivalent mechanical properties are calculated by the homogenization method. Then, a marerial interpolation model of the virtual and solid materials are established. A topology optimization problem to minimize the mean compliance under the mass constraint is proposed to realize the layout optimization design of stiffened structure with lattices. Taking an equipment mounting plate as an example, the optimization design of the traditional stiffened structure and the novel stiffened structure with lattices is completed, respectively. Numerical analysis indicates that the lattice stiffened plate structure provides advantageous mechanical performation in the condition of the same weight. The maximum deformation under inertial force is reduced by 11.17% and the peak displacement response under harmonic excitation is reduced by 73.81% by using the stiffened structure with lattices.