Buckling optimization of composite axisymmetric cylindrical shells under uncertain loading combinations

Optimal elastic buckling loads of composite axisymmetric circular cylinders under uncertain loading conditions are investigated. The mechanical loads applied to the cylinder are a combination of axial compression, lateral pre ssure, and torsion. Additionally, these loads are allowed to vary within a certain class of admissible loads during the optimization search, as oppose d to the restriction of fixed loads in the traditional optimization. The co nsideration of a degree of uncertainty in the mechanical loads leads to opt imal designs which are inherently insensitive to perturbations and/or rando mness in the applied loads.