A novel multi-objective topology–size integrated design strategy

Abstract

In this article, a new multi-objective topology and size optimization framework is developed for the joint concept–detailed design of stiffened panels. The normalized exponential weighted criterion (NEWC) is suggested to explore the Pareto-optimal topology point. A triple-weighting strategy (TWS) using the optimal combined weight model (OCWM) is presented to derive ideal sub-objective weights desired by NEWC. A three-stage continuation (TSC) technique with penalization power increasing by one is introduced to assist NEWC in multi-objective topology optimization considering symmetry constraints. Then, a segmented size optimization (SSO) method assisted by automation technology is used for the curved stiffened panel obtained by NEWC to fulfil the detailed design. Comparisons with the classical dual-weighting methods, average method (AM), and weighted sum method (WSM) verify the validity of TWS, OCWM and NEWC, respectively. The contrast of the multi-objective detailed design with the typical stiffened panel illustrates the improvement of SSO.