Reliability-based Robust Design Optimization with the Reliability Index Approach applied to composite laminate structures

Abstract

In this paper a new approach to the Reliability-based Robust Design Optimization (RBRDO) of angle-ply composite laminate structures is presented. The problem is defined as a bi-objective Robust Design Optimization (RDO) problem, with deterministic and probabilistic constraints. Design optimization is considered as the minimization problem of the weight (optimality) and the determinant of the variance-covariance matrix of the response functionals of the system (robustness). Reliability assessment is executed by the Reliability Index Approach (RIA), as an inner cycle. The key concept of this methodology is the exclusive use of evolutionary algorithms with elitist strategy, allowing for global convergence in the two optimization cycles. The RIA problem was reformulated and a set of new evolutionary operators were developed. A numerical example is presented and the results compared with other RBRDO and RDO formulations. Results show that deterministic and probabilistic structural integrity measures are quite sensitive to uncertainty, for multi-component composite structures.