Layup optimization of tow-steered composite laminates for maximum fundamental frequency and flutter speed using differential evolution. (15th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khajah, Tahsin; Natarajan, Sundararajan
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 310(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-15
• Subjects: Differential evolution -- Flutter -- Layup optimization -- Natural frequency -- Variable stiffness composite laminate; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2023.116748
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: In this short communication, an efficient layup optimization of tow-steered composite laminates for maximum fundamental frequency and flutter speed based on differential evolution (DE) technique is presented. The plate kinematics is based on Reissner–Mindlin plate theory and 4-noded quadrilateral elements with 5 degrees of freedom per node is employed. Two fiber orientations per ply and the manufacturing constraint on the curvature of the fiber orientation angle are used as design variables. It is known that the salient feature of the DE is fast convergence with high success rate of finding near global optimum. These attractive properties were utilized to find optimum layup configuration which maximize fundamental frequency and flutter speed for a particular flow angle, number of plies and boundary condition while observing manufacturability constraint. The accuracy and the robustness of the optimization scheme is shown through some representative examples.