Author(s)

T.-Y. Chen & C.C. Yu

Abstract

Shape optimization of openings in a composite laminated plate T.-Y. Chen, C.C. Yu Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chung Using University, Taichung, Taiwan 40227, Peoples Republic of China ABSTRACT A finite element program using thin plate theory is developed to an- alyze the composite laminated plate subjected to in-plane loads. The initial square opening in the plate causes stress concentration around the openings. The optimization technique is utilized to minimize the stresses around the openings. The node point locations and/or the lamina ply angles are used as the design variables. The Tsai-Hill failure criterion for composite lamina is used to define the constraints as well as the objective function. The stress sensitivities with respect to these design variables are computed using finite difference method. The sequential linear program- ming is used to solve the optimization problem. One numerical example with various load cases is demonstrated.

Keywords