Simultaneous Shape and Stacking Sequence Optimization of Laminated Composite Free‐Form Shells Using Multi‐Island Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

A simultaneous shape and stacking sequence optimization algorithm is presented for laminated composite free-form shells, by which the coupled effect of shape and stacking sequence can be considered. The optimization objective is determined as maximizing fundamental natural frequency to obtain largest stiffness of shells. Nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) is employed to represent free-form geometrical shapes. The coordinates of NURBS control points and fiber orientations are set up as continuous and discrete optimization variables, respectively, and optimized simultaneously. To improve the efficiency of the mixed continuous-discrete optimization, multi-island genetic algorithm (MIGA) is employed to search for the global result. Through several numerical examples, the performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated in comparison with the two-phase optimization method; the effect of boundary conditions and the setup of control points on optimal results are investigated, respectively.

Best Practices for Using Genetic Algorithms in Molecular Discovery

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Design and optimization of self-deployable damage tolerant composite structures: A review

“…Seeking the simultaneous optimization of both composite geometries and laminate stacking sequence, San et al (2019) [208] applied a multi-island genetic algorithm (MIGA) to maximize the natural frequency of a composite structure. The design variables that characterized the geometry were the points of a non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS), defined as continuous variables.…”

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