Optimization of the reinforcement of a 3D medium with thin composite plates

The reinforcement with a thin composite plate of a 3D linear elastic medium on its external boundary or inside is considered. A linear analysis of the 3D problem leads to a variational formulation in which the reinforcement is modelled by a Kirchhoff–Love plate. Considering the sum of the compliance and a cost as the design objective, a numerical example of the optimization of this reinforcement is performed taking into account the in-plane membrane rigidity only (i.e. the bending aspects are not treated numerically).