Abstract
This paper discusses the multi-level optimization method in dynamic optimization problems through stiffened plate of ship structures. In structural optimization the computational cost increases rapidly as the number of design variables increases. And we need a great amount of cal-culation and time on problems of modified dynamic characteristics of large and complicated struc-tures. In this paper the multi-level optimization is proposed which decreases computational time and cost. the dynamic optimum designs of stiffened plate that control the natural frequency and minimize weight subjected to constraints condition are derived. The way to apply the multi-level optimization methods in this study follow: In the first step the dynamic characteristics is controlled for the two-dimensional model of stiffened plate by sensitivity analysis and quasi-least squares methods. In the second step the cross-section of the stiffener is decided so that the weight is minimized under needed constraints by the steepest descent or ascent method. In the third the three-dimensional model is made based on the results of the first step and the second step confirmation and finer tuning of the objective function are carried out. It is shown that the results are effective in the optimum modification for dynamic characteristics of the stiffened plate.