<title>Multiobjective optimization procedure for the design of rotating composite box beams with discrete piezoelectric actuators</title>

Abstract

A multiobjective optimization procedure is developed for rotating composite box beams with discrete piezoelectric actuators. A rotating composite cantilever box beam model is presented that includes piezoelectric elements used as induced-strain actuators for vibration control. The model is implemented using the finite elements method. Multiple design objectives are efficiently combined using a multiobjective optimization formulation. Actuator locations and ply-stacking sequences are represented with discrete (0,1) variables while structural/control parameters such as box beam dimensions are continuous design variables. A transformation technique is used to formulate the combined continuous/discrete problem. This allows both optimal actuator locations and structural/control parameters to be determined inside a closed loop procedure. A technique based on simulated annealing is used for optimization in conjunction with an approximate analysis technique to reduce computational effort.