Optimum design of composite laminates

A new procedure for the optimum layup design of composite laminates is described in this paper. In this method the global optimum search and local relaxing constraints are adequately combined together. The design variables are divided and applied in separate processes. A 16-node hybrid semi-Loof element model is used in the global structure analysis. The iterative complex method is adopted in the optimization. The method is suitable for the minimum weight design of a laminate subjected to the strength and stiffness constraints under multiple loading. The numerical results demonstrate the high efficiency and reliability of the present method.The project was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China