Choice of Design Variables in the Stacking Sequence Optimization for Laminated Structures

A special type of new, continuous design variables is introduced in order to find optimum solutions for discrete fiber orientations. In the buckling analysis, as two or three different fiber orientations are considered, optimum solutions can be found in an analytical way. For a greater number of discrete fiber orientations, a special optimization algorithm based on the evolution strategy is used to solve the combinatorial optimization problems dealing with the optimum design of the laminate stacking sequence. The analysis is conducted with the example of simply supported rectangular multilayered composite plates subjected to buckling and the first-ply-failure constraints. The results demonstrate the effectiveness, simplicity, and advantages of the use of continuous design variables in the discrete optimization problem.