| Abstract: | The problem of optimal material orientation is studied in the case of nonlinear elastic materials. Optimal orientations corresponding to extreme (maximal or minimal) energy density are obtained for orthotropic materials. The material behavior (the stress-strain relation) is simulated in a general form, which includes, as particular cases, different versions of the power law stress-strain relations. The optimality conditions are derived for the general cases. Local and global extremums are determined for particular cases.Presented at the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000).Tartu University, Estonia. Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 445–454, March–April, 2000. |
