Efficient Strength Optimization Approach on Composite Structures Based on Approximation Method.

We present an efficient strength optimization approach on laminated composite structures under in-plane loading where layer orientation angles in addition to layer thicknesses are used as design variables. A high-quality approximation of stress components is generated by a linear approximation of stress resultants with respect to intermediate design variables. An approximation method is then applied to a minimum-weight design of laminated panels under strength constraints. The validity of the present approach is verified through several optimization examples of laminated panels.