On Discrete Material Optimization of laminated composites using global and local criteria

Abstract

Discrete Material Optimization is introduced as a method for doing material optimization on general laminated composite shell structures where the objective is to minimize maximum strain values. The method relies on ideas from multiphase topology optimization and uses gradient information in combination with mathematical programming to solve a discrete optimization problem. The method can be used to solve the orientation problem of orthotropic materials and the material selection problem as well as problems involving both. The method has previously been applied to compliance minimization and its applicability to min-max problems is demonstrated for two simple examples and the results compared to designs obtained using compliance minimization. © 2006 Springer.