An equivalent anisotropy orientation tensor algorithm for integrated material-structure design

Abstract

This study presents the Equivalent Anisotropy Orientation Tensor (EAOT) algorithm as a novel approach for the integrated design of thin-walled structures composed of composite materials. The EAOT algorithm is designed to enhance the buckling load of structures by efficiently optimizing the distribution of strain energy density. In addition, the algorithm considers the fiber orientation and stiffener structure as orthogonal isotropic material, providing an innovative design methodology that surpasses conventional approaches. The EAOT algorithm incorporates a weighted function to account for the effects of different buckling modes, which solves the problem of mode overlap and exchange that affects the optimization effect. Utilizing the optimization results from the EAOT algorithm enables the realization of effective material-structure integrated design. Two case studies demonstrate the superior performance of designs based on this algorithm compared to conventional methods, resulting in a substantial increase in the critical buckling load by 15.3 % to 34.7 %.