OPTICOM: A general-purpose program for calculation and optimization of composite structures

This paper provides an overview of the cabapilities, features and applications of the general-purpose program OPTICOM for calculation and optimization of composite structures. The problems related to long-fiber laminates, composites with randomly oriented short fibers, hybrids and sandwich structures can efficiently be treated. The program allows calculating mechanical and residual stresses and strains, stiffness and compliance matrices, strength coefficients, resonance frequencies and critical buckling loads. The optimization process utilizes three alternative algorithms and can be performed under multiple loads and combined static and dynamic constraints. The program can provide minimum weight, minimum thickness, optimal orientation, minimum number of plies, maximum rigidity, as well as optimal configurations for simultaneous failure of all layers. The structure and performance of the program allow studying the influence of design parameters (materials, stacking sequence, ply orientation, geometric configurations, applied loads, environmental conditions, design constraints, residual stresses,... etc) on the design objectives.