This document summarizes a research paper that analyzed both isotropic and composite plates with and without stiffeners using finite element modeling. It presented the following key points:
1. Finite element models of isotropic and composite plates were created using shell and solid elements in ANSYS to analyze the effect of stiffeners on plate deformation and stress.
2. Parametric studies were performed by varying the length, thickness, and height of stiffeners to minimize plate deformation without increasing material volume.
3. Results showed that stiffened plates had significantly less deformation than bare plates for the same material volume. Deformation generally decreased with increasing stiffener size.