Advanced Genetic Algorithms for Designing Complex Laminated Composite Structures

摘要

This paper presents a pair of software tools that have been created by ADOPTECH for laminated compositernstructural design. The first software tool is an advanced genetic algorithm optimization code called DARWINrnthat has been developed specifically for engineering design problems. DARWIN has the capability to designrncomplex laminated composite structures by utilizing a flexible data structure, specialized genetic operators, andrnfeatures that improve the efficiency and reliability of the genetic algorithm optimization procedure. DARWINrnserves as the optimization engine for OLGA (Optimization of Laminates using Genetic Algorithms), a Javabasedrngraphical user interface that simplifies the process of configuring a composite laminate design problem.rnSeveral features of the DARWIN/OLGA software are reviewed throughout the paper. The capabilities of thernsoftware are then demonstrated by designing an E-shaped composite structure comprised of ten monolithicrnpanels. Each panel is designed for both minimum weight and cost while satisfying several lay-up, performance,rnand manufacturing constraints.