Author(s)

Patrick Morelle, Y. Radovcic

Abstract

Optimisation methods are today a very classical tool as far as classical, metallic or at least homogeneous structures are concerned. However, the application of these techniques to composite structures are faced with many difficulties as soon as the problem is formulated outside the classical area of ply thickness/orientation. 1. CAD capabilities are not as common as far as composite structures modelling is concerned. Furthermore, a change of topology is nearly impossible (even for the most recent parametric modellers) thus making it difficult to optimise stacking sequences or laminate geometries for example 2. Algorithms are not well adapted to the kind of discontinuity/nonlinearity exhibited by these kinds of structures.

Keywords