Nonlinear lay-up optimization of variable stiffness composite skew and taper cylindrical panels in free vibration

Abstract In the present study, the fundamental natural frequencies of curvilinear fiber composite skew and taper cylindrical panels are optimized applying genetic algorithm (GA). Later, the fundamental amplitude-dependent nonlinear frequency behavior of the optimized curved fiber layup configurations is studied and compared with the reference unidirectional fiber layup. The variable stiffness behavior is obtained by altering the fiber angles continuously according to the curvilinear fiber path function in the composite laminates. A nonlinear structural model is utilized based on the virtual work principle. Green’s nonlinear kinematic strain relations are used to account for the geometric nonlinearities and the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is adopted to generalize the formulation for the case of moderately thick cylindrical panels including transverse shear deformations. The goal is to determine how the variable stiffness parameters affect the linear and nonlinear free vibration behavior of the skew and taper cylindrical panels. Consequently, one may find the optimum fiber path with improved structural characteristics for the cylindrical panel. Eight-layered composite skew and taper cylindrical panels at two different boundary condition sets are considered in this research. Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method of solution is employed to solve the nonlinear governing equations of motion. Numerical results demonstrate the degree of effectiveness for fiber angle paths, boundary conditions, and geometrical non-uniformities on the fundamental frequencies of the cylindrical panel. Eventually, optimum fiber angles of each layer in free vibration analysis are presented.