Optimum design of composite laminates for frequency constraints

A method for minimum thickness multilayer rectangular composite laminates is presented which is based on a layerwise optimization procedure under natural frequency limitations. In this method, all types of boundary conditions and their combinations can be taken into account. Analysis is based on the Ritz approximations, and no limitations exist on the number of layers that can be considered or the plate's aspect ratio. Coupling of flexural and torsional stiffness terms need not be zero in any of the cases. Optimization constraints can be either limits on the fundamental frequency or separation between two natural frequencies. Hybrid combination of layers is also made possible in order to enhance the laminate economy, and a short cut procedure is recommended to save total computational efforts. Examples are offered that illustrate the method's capabilities, and the results are verified by comparison to some published ones. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.