Multilevel optimal design of laminated composite plate structures

Abstract

This paper presents a multilevel approach to the optimal design of laminated composite plate structures. Thicknesses and fiber directions of layers are designed to minimize the volumes of the structures subject to behavioral constraints as well as side constraints. The minimization process is carried out in a double scheme where the quasi-Newton method is used at the first level of optimization for the optimal design of fiber directions of layers and an optimality criteria method at the second level for thickness design. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the applications of the proposed method.