Discrete Material and Thickness Optimization of sandwich structures. (1st June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sjølund, J.H.; Peeters, D.; Lund, E.
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 217(2019)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 88
• Publication Date: 2019-06-01
• Subjects: Discrete Material and Thickness Optimization -- Laminated composites -- Sandwich structures; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper Discrete Material and Thickness Optimization (DMTO) is used to optimize sandwich composite structures subject to both displacement and linear buckling constraints. Using a new thickness formulation where density design variables scale ply thicknesses rather than constitutive properties, it is possible to size both core and face sheet plies simultaneously. This makes it possible to have different ply thicknesses for core and face sheet layers while also covering ply-drops. Furthermore, separating core and face sheets allows enforcing a symmetric lay-up which can be important to avoid warping during curing. The approach is demonstrated in three numerical examples of increasing complexity.