Minimum-weight design of stiffened shell under hydrostatic pressure by genetic algorithm

In this paper, optimization of cylindrical shells under external pressure to minimize its weight has been studied. Buckling equations are based on standard of ABS underwater vehicles. Dimension and type of circumferential stiffeners, and its distance from each other are assumed as variables of optimization problem. Considering the extent of these variables, genetic algorithms have been used for optimization. To study the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the shell and its fabrication according to the existing standards, geometrical and construction as well as stress and buckling constraints have been used in optimization algorithm and also penalty functions are applied to eliminate weak model. Finally, the best model which has the minimum weight considering the applied pressure has been presented.