Optimization of Laminated Composite Structures

This chapter is a primer pertaining to the topic of optimization as it applies to laminated composite structures. Composite materials come in various shapes and forms, with the more familiar types known as polymer matrix composites (PMCs). However, there is another type of composite material that is formed by bonding layers of two or more materials with adhesives—laminated composites (often referred to as laminates). Due to the wide variety of applications of such materials, numerous studies have been conducted to optimize the structures made from these materials to improve their behavior (say, mechanical) such as stiffness and strength. The field of mathematical optimization has gained prominence in engineering in the modern era, with applications ranging from aerospace vehicles to civil structures. With the advent of faster computing hardware combined with sophisticated algorithms, it has become possible to optimize the design of any structure to achieve a certain objective (typically minimizing weight), given a number of constraints. A variety of algorithms have been used by researchers to study the optimization of laminated composites, and this chapter will discuss the most commonly used techniques.