Frequency optimization of laminated composite plates with different intermediate line supports

This paper deals with frequency optimization of symmetrically laminated 4-layered angle-ply plates with one or two different intermediate line supports. The design objective is the maximization of the fundamental frequency and the design variable is the fiber orientation in the layers. The first order shear deformation theory and nine-node isoparametric finite element model are used for finding the natural frequencies of laminates. The modified feasible direction method is used for the optimization routine. For this purpose, a program based on FORTRAN is used. Finally, the numerical analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of location of the internal line supports, plate aspect ratios and boundary conditions on the optimal designs and the results are compared.