Optimum design for laminated panel with cutout: The Genetic Algorithm approach

Composite laminated structures have become extremely useful because of their high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. Applications of composite materials are thus increasing in areas where weight saving is most beneficial, For composite laminated with cutout, the classical plate theory suggested that the plate was generally weaken by elliptical hole in comparison to the circular one. In this paper the development and algorithm for the optimum design of the composite laminate panel with cutout are illustrated. The complete optimization procedure involves the integration of the finite element method and the expert system (Genetic Algorithm).