Lay-up optimization of composite stiffened panels using linear approximations in lamination space

A study was conducted for optimization of composite stiffened panels using linear approximations in lamination space. The study proposed a fitness function based on constraint satisfaction using the linear approximation of the design constraints, for genetic algorithm (GA). GA is used to find the safest design based on a linear approximation of the design constraints. The study generated a design with lower critical constraint violation for same thickness of the laminates to reduce the thickness of the laminates. The study also found the second step produced optimum discrete designs with a potential mass saving of 3.5%. The study also observed that optimum discrete designs were further away in the lamination parameter space to the continuous optima. The second step can be used for expensive design constraints and less expensive constraints to form the fitness function.