Metaheuristic optimal design of adaptive composite beams

The integration of active materials in composite structures confers them the capability of adapting its behaviour when submitted to loads, overcoming a merely passive response. This adaptive character can be further optimized if the adequate design variable parameters are identified and selected. This work presents a study on the use of a metaheuristic bio-inspired technique to optimize (non-)skewed adaptive composite beams where material properties vary along the length. The results illustrate the performance of the analysis-optimization package implemented as well as the possible range of behaviours, beyond the optimal configurations achieved for the set of case studies.The integration of active materials in composite structures confers them the capability of adapting its behaviour when submitted to loads, overcoming a merely passive response. This adaptive character can be further optimized if the adequate design variable parameters are identified and selected. This work presents a study on the use of a metaheuristic bio-inspired technique to optimize (non-)skewed adaptive composite beams where material properties vary along the length. The results illustrate the performance of the analysis-optimization package implemented as well as the possible range of behaviours, beyond the optimal configurations achieved for the set of case studies.