Structural optimization of laminated composites plates using advanced global optimization technics

ABSTRACTMSc ThesisSTRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION OF LAMINATEDCOMPOSITES PLATES USING ADVANCED GLOBALOPTIMIZATION TECHNICSŞÜKRÜ KARAKAYAAfyonkarahisar Kocatepe UniversityGraduate School of Natural and Applied SciencesDepartment of Mechanical EducationAdvisor: Ass. Prof. Dr. Ömer SOYKASAPIn this study, the structural optimization of laminated composite plates for maximumbuckling load capacity has been investigated by using the genetic algorithm and patternsearch. The optimization is considered a 64-layer plate made of graphite-epoxy compositelayers with simple support under compressive biaxial loads and subject to given in plane staticloads. In this structures are determined buckling load factor to stability of composites plates.For that reason many researcher interested in this structures optimization. For this structurefiber orientation was taken design variable. Genetic algorithm and pattern search was used toexecuted maximum buckling load for different load cases and aspect ratios. All ofconfigurations were found to provide economically. Also genetic algorithm and pattern searchmethods were determined advantage and disadvantage for each other.We investigated computational time for genetic algorithm and pattern search to found globaloptimum.2007, 87 pagesKeywords: Genetic Algorithm, Pattern Search, Laminated Composites