You might use a topology optimization approach. Can you share your Abaqus model (.inp)?

Dear Nils,

I unfortunately cannot share the file. But basically, the stiffeners and the panel are separate parts which interact with eachother throught tie constraints.

How could you apply topology optimization in this case to optimize the stiffener path?

Edwin Teran Chicas I think that the problem that you describe is not a topology optimization problem. It is actually a geometry optimization problem. This means that once you parameterize the geometry of the model (i.e. the paths of the stiffeners) through suitable selection of design variables, you can setup an optimization procedure using these design variables. Besides this, you need an objective function with respect to which the model will be optimized.