Author(s)

P. Hajela & A. Erisman

Abstract

Genetic search methods in the design of thermally balanced composite laminates P. Hajela, A. Erisman Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering and Mechanics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, Fork, ABSTRACT The present paper describes the application of genetic search methods in the optimal design of composite laminates for strength and stiffness requirements. The influence of environmental conditions such as moisture and temperature variations on the stiffness characteristics of the composite are included in the constraint set. The principal focus of the work resides in generating optimal designs that not only yield desired stiffness, but are also practically viable from the standpoint of hygothermal stability. The use of genetic search techniques is particularly significant in this application, as the selection of ply-orientations, lamina thicknesses, and stacking sequences are all discrete variables. The use of branch-and- bound optimiza

Keywords