Metaheuristic Optimization of Laminated Composite Plates with Cut-Outs

Abstract

The stacking sequence optimization of laminated composite plates while maximizing the structural performance or minimizing the weight is a subject investigated extensively in the literature. Meanwhile, research on the optimization of laminates with cut-outs has been relatively limited. Cut-outs being an indispensable feature of structural components, this paper concentrates on the stacking sequence optimization of composite laminates in the presence of circular cut-outs. The buckling load of a laminate is used as a metric to quantify the structural performance. Here the laminates are modeled as carbon fiber-reinforced composites using the finite element analysis software, ABAQUS. For the optimization, the widely used harmony search algorithm is applied. In terms of design variables, ply thickness, and fiber orientation angles of the plies are used as continuously changing variables. In addition to the stacking sequence, another geometric variable to consider is the aspect ratio (ratio of the length of the longer sides to the length of the shorter sides of the plate) of the rectangular laminates. The optimization is carried out for three different aspect ratios. It is shown that, by using dispersed stacking sequences instead of the commonly used 0°/±45°/±90° fiber angle stacks, significantly higher buckling loads can be achieved. Furthermore, changing the cut-out geometry is found to have a significant effect on the structural performance.

Interpretable Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict the Axial Capacity of FRP-Reinforced Concrete Columns

“…One of the most widely used and wellestablished algorithms in this category is the harmony search algorithm. The algorithm was invented by Geem et al [39] and has been applied to a wide range of engineering problems such as the optimum design of retaining walls [40,41], laminated composite plates [42,43], highway bridge plate girders [44], concrete-filled steel tubular columns [45], reinforced concrete cylindrical walls [46][47][48], and tuned liquid dampers [49].…”

Adaptive Harmony Search for Tuned Liquid Damper Optimization under Seismic Excitation

“…Thus, the optimum solution is sought for all values, from the initial value to the smallest value. Equations ( 18) and (19) show the HMCR and FW calculations.…”

“…This algorithm, which aims to achieve the best harmony, can search for a favorite harmony in the memory bank during the search process, create a melody similar to this harmony, or improvise for optimum harmony by creating an unheard harmony from scratch [14]. The effect of the harmony search algorithm on design optimization has been supported by various studies [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. In recent years, it has become a preferred algorithm in damper optimization by being applied in the design of mass and liquid dampers [2,22,23].…”

Optimal Dimensions of Post-Tensioned Concrete Cylindrical Walls Using Harmony Search and Ensemble Learning with SHAP

“…Previous studies of the reinforced concrete structures optimization with and without prestressing have demonstrated the applicability of metaheuristic optimization techniques like the harmony search (HS) methodology to reduce the structural cost and environmental impact [2][3][4][5][6]. Metaheuristic optimization techniques have been applied to a variety of problems in civil and structural engineering including the dimensioning of trusses [7][8][9][10][11][12][13], retaining walls [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22], laminated composite plates [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30], and steel plate girders [31]. On the other hand, post-tensioning in structures is an area where metaheuristic optimization techniques found relatively few applications.…”