Author(s)

M. Walker & B. Bullock

Abstract

Finite element solutions are presented for the optimal multiobjective design of symmetrically laminated rectangular plates subject to a combination of simply supported, clamped and free boundary conditions. The design ob- jective is the maximisation of the biaxial buckling load and resonance fre- quency by determining the fiber orientations optimally with the effects of bending-twisting coupling taken into account. The finite element method coupled with an optimisation routine is employed in analysing and opti- mising the laminated plate designs. The effect of boundary conditions and bending-twisting coupling on the optimal ply angles and the buckling load are numerically studied. In addition, the multiobjective results are also compared to single objective design results

Keywords