Stacking sequence optimization of composite plates for maximum fundamental frequency using particle swarm optimization algorithm

The paper illustrates the application of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to the lay-up design of symmetrically laminated composite plates for maximization of fundamental frequency. The design variables are the fiber orientation angles, edge conditions and plate length/width ratios. The formulation is based on the classical laminated plate theory (CLPT), and the method of analysis is the semi-analytical finite strip approach which has been developed on the basis of full energy methods. The performance of the PSO is also compared with the simple genetic algorithm and shows the good efficiency of the PSO algorithm. To check the validity, the obtained results are compared with those available in the literature and some other stacking sequences, wherever possible.