Shape Optimization of Cutouts in Laminated Composite Plates Using Solid Element

Abstract

Shape optimization was performed to obtain the precise shape of cutouts including the internal shape of cutouts in laminated composite plates by three dimensional modeling using solid element. The volume control of the growth-strain method was implemented and the distributed parameter was chosen as Tsai-Hill failure index for shape optimization. In order to verify the validity of the obtained optimal shapes, the changes of the maximum Tsai-Hill failure index were examined for each load condition and cutouts. The following conclusions were obtained in this study; 1) It was found that growth-strain method was applied efficiently to shape optimization of three dimensional cutouts in anisotropic laminate composite, 2) The optimal three dimensional shapes of the various load conditions and cutouts were obtained, 3) The maximum Tsai-Hill failure index was reduced up to 68% when shape optimization was performed under the initial volume by volume control of growth-strain method.