For smeared finite element models, HyperSizer provides the ability to accurately represent a stiffened panel with equivalent stiffness terms for the membrane, bending, and membrane-bending coupling stiffness matrix. This "smeared" thermoelastic formulation allows any panel concept to be modeled with a single plane of shell elements. This process is analogous to modeling beams in a finite element model using A, I1, I2, I12, and J (instead of cross-section dimensions).