3245. Stringer-Panel Optimization and Pitfalls

Paper

Abstract

Every vehicle deserves to have its structure optimized. Panel optimization programs minimize weight or increase stiffness. But the biggest advantage is to find the best panel designs sized to the applied load with the required dimensions (for example, stringer spacing) for the material selected with means to get them on the airplane with the assurance that the tests will be passed. Computers formerly limited the panel optimization programs. Now that computer capacity has increased by orders of magnitude, those who would develop new programs are urged to look at the whole problem. Assumptions, approximations and pitfalls are explained.