Local optimisation of anisotropic composite panels with T shape stiffeners

J. Enrique Herencia, Paul M. Weaver, Michael I. Friswell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

A method to locally optimise anisotropic composite panels with T shape stiffeners is provided. The technique divides the optimisation problem into two levels. At the first level, composite optimisation is performed using Mathematical Programming (MP), where the skin and the stiffeners are modelled using lamination parameters accounting for their anisotropy and transverse shear stiffness. Skin and stiffener laminates are assumed to be symmetric, or mid-plane symmetric laminates with 0, 90, 45 or -45 degree ply angles. The stiffened panel is subjected to a combined loading (in-plane and out-of-plane) under strength (laminate or ply failure), buckling and practical design constraints. Out-of-plane loading is caused by lateral pressure, initial geometric imperfections and eccentricities in the in-plane loading. The manufacture of the stiffener is embedded within the design variables. Ply contiguity constraints are imposed at this level to improve convergence towards a practical laminate design. At the second level, the actual skin and stiffener lay-ups are obtained using a Genetic Algorithm (GA), accounting for manufacturability and design practices. This approach benefits from MP at the first level where complex structural analysis is performed and from GA at the second level where the discrete lay-up combinational problem is solved. Moreover, modelling laminate anisotropy enables engineers to explore and potentially use elastic tailoring to their advantage.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCollection of Technical Papers - 48th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
Pages6241-6267
Number of pages27
ISBN (Print)1563478927, 9781563478925
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
Event48th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference - Waikiki, HI, United States
Duration: 23 Apr 200726 Apr 2007

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
Volume6
ISSN (Print)0273-4508

Conference

Conference48th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWaikiki, HI
Period23/04/0726/04/07

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Local optimisation of anisotropic composite panels with T shape stiffeners'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this