Optimization of static response of laminated composite plate using nonlinear FEM and ANOVA Taguchi method

In this paper, a Taguchi-based finite element method (FEM) has been proposed and implemented to assess optimal design parameters for minimum static deflection in laminated composite plate. An orthodox mathematical model (based on higher-order shear deformation plate theory and Green-Lagrange geometrical nonlinearity) has been used to compute the nonlinear central deflection values of laminated composite plates according to Taguchi design of experiment via a self developed MATLAB computer code. The lay-up scheme, aspect ratio, thickness ratio and the support conditions of the laminated composite plate structure were designated as the governable design parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to investigate the effect of diverse control factors on the nonlinear static responses. Moreover, regression model is developed for predicting the desired responses. The ANOVA revealed that the lay-up scheme alongside the support condition plays vital role in minimizing the central deflection values of laminated composite plate under uniformly distributed load. The conformity test results of Taguchi analysis are also in good agreement with the numerical experimentation results.