The genetic algorithm applied to stiffness maximization of laminated plates : review and comparison

• Published in: Structural Optimization Vol. 15; no. 3-4; pp. 221 - 229
• Main Authors: POTGIETER, E, STANDER, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01.06.1998; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Composite structures; Design optimization; Energy conservation; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Genetic algorithms; Global optimization; Nonlinear programming; Optimization; Physics; Plates (structural members); Real variables; Solid mechanics; Static elasticity; Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...); Stiffness; Stress concentration; Structural and continuum mechanics; Stratified material; Genetic algorithm; Bending; Simple support; Numerical method; Fiber orientation; Stiffness; Review; Composite material; Optimization; Plate
• ISSN: 0934-4373; 1615-147X; 1436-2503; 1615-1488
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01203535

The design of laminated structures is highly tailorable owing to the large number of available design variables, thereby requiring an optimization method for effective design. Furthermore, in practice, the design problem translates to a discrete global optimization problem which requires a robust optimization method such as the genetic algorithm. In this paper, the genetic algorithm, based on the real variable coding, is applied to the strain energy minimization of rectangular laminated composite plates. The results for both a point load and uniformly distributed load compare well with those achieved using trajectory methods for continuous global optimization.