Multilevel design optimization of composite structures with blended laminates

Abstract

This research work deals with the design and optimization of a large composite structure. In design of large structural systems, it is customary to divide the problem into many smaller independent/semi-independent local design problems. The use of composite necessitates the inclusion of ply angles as design variables. These design variables are discrete in nature because of manufacturing constraint, which directly affect the lay up cost. The multilevel approach results into a nonblended solution with no continuity of laminate layups across the panels. In this work, we develop a global local design methodology to design blended composite laminates across the whole structural system. The blending constraint is imposed via a guide based approach within the genetic algorithm optimization scheme. In an effort to include the postbuckling constraint into the multilevel design optimization of large composite structure, an alternative cheap methodology for predicting load paths in postbuckled structure is presented.Aerospace Engineerin