Single-Objective Cost and Weight Optimization of 3D-modeled Sandwich Beams

A single-objective engineering optimization refers to optimizing a structure to attain a single design goal, known as the objective function. Design engineers frequently aim to minimize a component's weight or optimize its manufacturing cost, in which case weight and cost design optimization goals.

In this project, I designed 3D models of rectangular sandwich-structured beams in ANSYS DesignModeler. I used built-in algorithms in MATLAB to optimize these rectangular beams' singular cost and weight for structural integrity. Two beam configurations were used: composite sandwich materials and another constructed by aluminum alloys. The bending stiffness of each beam was the critical design constraint for optimization.

The primary goal was to provide a computational platform for evaluating the design of sandwich structures to minimize their weight, maximize strength at a specified cost, and material usage for applications in the mechanical and aerospace engineering industry.