OPTIMAL-DESIGN OF A COMPOSITE STRUCTURE

This paper presents a design methodology for a laminated composite sti ffened panel, subjected to multiple in-plane loads and bending moments . Design variables include the skin and stiffener ply orientation angl es and stiffener geometry variables. Optimum designs are sought which minimize structural weight and satisfy mechanical performance requirem ents. Two types of mechanical performance requirements are placed on t he panel, maximum strain and minimum strength. Minimum weight designs are presented which document that the choice of mechanical performance requirements cause changes in the optimum design. The effects of lay- up constraints which limit the ply angles to user specified values, su ch as symmetric or quasi-isotropic laminates, are also investigated.