Core thickness optimization of buckling-endangered sandwich columns under compressive loads

Optimizing the core thickness of a sandwich structure can be a computationally expensive task. In this work, an optimization approach for slender columns is presented. The approach iteratively determines the optimal thickness distribution using the second derivative of the eigenmodes as an input for the shape function. To demonstrate its capabilities, it is applied to simple columns constrained according to Euler's buckling cases. The optimization results are validated with detailed finite element models and compared to those from a nonlinear least squares-based optimization.