Probabilistic multi-objective optimization of a corrugated-core sandwich structure

Corrugated-core sandwich panels are prevalent for many applications in industries. The researches performed with the aim of optimization of such structures in the literature have considered a deterministic approach. However, it is believed that deterministic optimum points may lead to high-risk designs instead of optimum ones. In this paper, an effort has been made to provide a reliable and robust design of corrugated-core sandwich structures through stochastic and probabilistic multi-objective optimization approach. The optimization is performed using a coupling between genetic algorithm (GA), Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) and finite element method (FEM). To this aim, Prob. Design module in ANSYS is employed and using a coupling between optimization codes in MATLAB and ANSYS, a connection has been made between numerical results and optimization process. Results in both cases of deterministic and probabilistic multi-objective optimizations are illustrated and compared together to gain a better understanding of the best sandwich panel design by taking into account reliability and robustness. Comparison of results with a similar deterministic optimization study demonstrated better reliability and robustness of optimum point of this study.