The Multi-objective Optimization Design Approach for Carbon Fiber Hybrid Nanocomposites Containing NanoClay and NanoZnO Particles by Using OptiComp

Abstract

This paper presents the multi-objective design optimization of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer hybrid nanocomposites by OptiComp. The use of nanoparticles not only improves the interface strength but also significantly improves stress and hence the propagation of strain in composite laminates, which ultimately improves the stiffness of the composite laminate. The OptiComp is the comprehensive generic procedure for design optimization of the composites. With the utilization of OptiComp, the discrete form Variable thickness approach (VTA) used in this study can discover the minimum laminate thickness, and for maximum stiffness in one step instead of two-step method. The Max stress theory and Tsai-Wu theory as constraints for the current study in optimization are performed using a direct value coding genetic algorithm. It is found that the CFRP nanocomposites up to 2 to 3 wt% range of nanoparticles can be designed for max. stiffness and min. weight.