A multicriteria design optimization model for advanced composite material (ACM) structural beams is presented. The beams are subjected to transverse loading, and design criteria include minimization of beam midspan deflections and maximization of buckling loads and first-ply-failure loads. Assuming a symmetrical laminated structure for the pultruded ACM sections, micro/macromechanics models combined with an explicit stability solution and a failure criterion are used to predict beam member response, critical buckling loads, and first-ply-failure (FPF) loads. A multicriteria design optimization formulation combined with a global approximation technique is proposed to optimize the beam fiber architecture, which can greatly enhance the load carrying capacity of a section. An optimized I-shape beam is produced by pultrusion, and its predicted response compares well with experimental results. The optimization procedure presented in this paper can serve as a practical tool to improve the performance of existing ACM shapes without changing the current geometries.
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