This study aims to address this goal in developing high performance lightweight, stiff mechanical components by creating an optimized design from a biologically-inspired template.  The approach is implemented on the optimization of rib stiffeners along an aircraft engine nacelle.  Optimization of total displacement and weight was carried out using a genetic algorithm (GA) coupled with finite element analysis.  Displacement was given higher emphasis in optimization, thus the GA optimization tended towards individual designs with weights near the mass constraint. 
GA
Optimization of total displacement and weight was carried out using a genetic algorithm (GA) coupled with finite element analysis. 
finite element analysis