Eigenfrequency and buckling optimization of laminated composite shell structures using Discrete Material Optimization

Abstract

The design problem of maximizing the lowest eigenfrequency or the buckling load factor of laminated composite shell structures is investigated using the socalled Discrete Material Optimization (DMO) approach. The design optimization method is based on ideas from multi-phase topology optimization where the material stiffness is computed as a weighted sum of candidate materials, thus making it possible to solve discrete optimization problems using gradient based techniques and mathematical programming. The potential of the DMO method to solve the combinatorial problem of proper choice of material, stacking sequence and fiber orientation simultaneously is illustrated for two multi-layered multi-material plate examples. © 2006 Springer.