Optimal design of laminates for maximum buckling resistance and minimum weight

In this paper, a multi-objective optimal design for uniaxially loaded laminated composite panels is presented. Three design variables are adopted, namely number of layers, ply-thickness, and ply orientation angle. The two design objectives are to maximize buckling resistance and to minimize weight of the composite laminates. These two design objectives are assigned with different design level requirements, owing to different relative importance in practice. The fuzzy-optimization approach is engaged in such a case. Hence, a set of compromise solutions for the fuzzy-controlled multi-objective optimization can be obtained. The designer can thus select the preferred design level and obtain the optimal solution. In the complete design scheme, the composite laminates are analyzed by the refined finite strip analysis. This approach can deal with the instability of slender composite laminates effectively.