A Genetic Algorithm Based Blending Scheme for Design of Multiple Composite Laminates

Abstract

Genetic algorithms (GA) are widely used for stacking sequence design of composite laminates. Design of large composite structure is done by subdividing it into a number of local panel design problems. Independent design of local panels leads to stacking sequence mismatch (referred to as blending issue) between adjacent panels. Blending is important for both structural integrity and manufacturability of final designs. In this paper, we present a robust, simple, and efficient way to impose blending in a GA framework for multiple composite laminates design. A multi-chromosomal GA is proposed to implement a novel parametrization of composite laminate stacking sequence that seamlessly blends stacking sequence across multiple laminates. The advantages and the numerical issues of the present approach are addressed.