Design of laminated composite plates for optimal dynamic characteristics using a constrained global optimization technique

• Published in: Computer methods in applied mechanics and engineering 1995-02, Vol.120 (3), p.389-402
• Main Authors: Kam, T.Y., Lai, F.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Physics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Solid mechanics; Static elasticity; Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...); Structural and continuum mechanics; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0045-7825; 1879-2138
• DOI: 10.1016/0045-7825(94)00063-S

The lamination arrangements of moderately thick laminated composite plates for optimal dynamic characteristics are studied via a constrained multi-start global optimization technique. In the optimization process, the dynamical analysis of laminated composite plates is accomplished by utilizing a shear deformable laminated composite finite element, in which the exact expressions for determining shear correction factors were adopted and the modal damping model constructed based on an energy concept. The optimal layups of laminated composite plates with maximum fundamental frequency or modal damping are then designed by maximizing the frequency or modal damping capacity of the plate via the multi-start global optimization technique. The effects of length-to-thickness ratio, aspect ratio and number of layer groups upon the optimum fiber orientations or layer group thicknesses are investigated by means of a number of examples of the design of symmetrically laminated composite plates.