Optimum design of fibre composite stiffened panels using genetic algorithms

A procedure is derived for a generalized optimum design of stiffened panels made up of laminated fibre reinforced plastics (FRP) and subjected to longitudinal membrane compression (in the direction of stiffeners) and in plane shear loading. The strength and stability (local and overall) are the main design constraints. The size, configuration, fibre orientation and topology optimization are done simultaneously. The optimum design procedure is based on genetic algorithms and a simplified set of design equations. A few example problems of optimum design are solved and the results are discussed.