On the modelling of ribbed plates for shape optimization

The development of a homogenized plate model suitable for shape optimization is presented. The development is based on a homogenization method for layered materials with a periodic microstructure. A particular advantage of the approach is that it accommodates without significant changes the modelling of ribbed, honeycomb and perforated plates. The model is compared with others that have appeared in the literature and that are also useful in the context of the optimization of the shape and layout of plates and plate-like structures. The results indicate that the model presented here is useful in the optimization of both thick and thin plates.