A design algorithm for the optimization of laminated composite structures

This paper is devoted to the optimal design of laminated composite structures The goal of the study is to assess the quality and the Performance of an algorithm based on the directional derivative method Particular attention is paid to the one-dimensional search, a critical step of the process, performed by cubic splines:approximation. The optimization problem is formulated as weight minimization, under constraints on the mechanical behavior of the structure. The assumed design variables are the ply thicknesses, treated as continuous design variables, constrained by technological requirements. The structural analysis is performed making use of quadrilateral four-node composite elements, based on the first order shear deformation theory The algorithm is applied to the optimization of a rectangular laminated plate. The results obtained are compared with those obtained by other similar studies and show the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach.