Particle swarm optimization approach for multi-objective composite box-beam design

This paper presents a multi-agent search technique to design an optimal composite box-beam helicopter rotor blade. The search technique is called particle swarm optimization (‘inspired by the choreography of a bird flock’). The continuous geometry parameters (cross-sectional dimensions) and discrete ply angles of the box-beams are considered as design variables. The objective of the design problem is to achieve (a) specified stiffness value and (b) maximum elastic coupling. The presence of maximum elastic coupling in the composite box-beam increases the aero-elastic stability of the helicopter rotor blade. The multi-objective design problem is formulated as a combinatorial optimization problem and solved collectively using particle swarm optimization technique. The optimal geometry and ply angles are obtained for a composite box-beam design with ply angle discretizations of 10°, 15° and 45°. The performance and computational efficiency of the proposed particle swarm optimization approach is compared with various genetic algorithm based design approaches. The simulation results clearly show that the particle swarm optimization algorithm provides better solutions in terms of performance and computational time than the genetic algorithm based approaches.     

Optimization of laminated composite structure considering uncertainty effects

In this paper, the most conservative Tsai–Wu failure envelopes are obtained for laminated composite considering material as well as ply angle uncertainty. The uncertainty analysis is performed using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The obtained failure envelopes are then used as the constraint functions to perform the minimum weight design optimization problem using particle swarm optimization (PSO). Results show increase in weight of the laminate from the deterministic results and it varies from 4% to 50% depending upon the stacking sequence and loading condition. Substantial effects of uncertainty on the failure envelope and optimal design are quantified.     

基于遗传算法的大型风机复合材料叶片根部强度优化设计

为了提高复合材料叶片承担载荷的能力, 尤其是承受最大弯矩的叶片根部的承载能力, 研究了遗传算法的优化原理并将遗传算法应用到复合材料叶片根部铺层的优化设计中。针对复合材料层压结构遗传算法优化设计中, 层压结构参数具有离散型的特点, 提出了适合复合材料层压结构遗传算法优化设计的整数编码策略, 以整数来表征层压结构参数。在分析层压结构强度的基础上, 针对结构强度优化的目标构造了可用于遗传算法的适应度函数。同时参考了一定的铺层规则, 在铺层角度限制为工程中常用的四种角度的前提下, 应用遗传算法对叶片根部进行了铺层优化设计。结果表明, 由于遗传算法特有的处理离散型问题的优势, 在叶片根部的铺层优化设计中应用遗传算法是可行和可信的。     

Probabilistic optimal design of laminates using improved particle swarm optimization

A new approach to the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed for the solution of non-linear optimization problems with constraints, and is applied to the reliability-based optimum design of laminated composites. Special mutation-interference operators are introduced to increase swarm variety and improve the convergence performance of the algorithm. The reliability-based optimum design of laminated composites is modelled and solved using the improved PSO. The maximization of structural reliability and the minimization of total weight of laminates are analysed. The stacking sequence optimization is implemented in the improved PSO by using a special coding technique. Examples show that the improved PSO has high convergence and good stability and is efficient in dealing with the probabilistic optimal design of composite structures.     

铺设角度与铺层顺序对层合板稳定性的影响

以层合板结构的临界屈曲载荷系数最大化为优化目标,基于改进型模拟退火算法对层合板结构铺设角度和铺层顺序进行优化。由于层合板结构的铺层角度是离散变量,模拟退火算法适合求解离散变量的优化问题。利用模拟退火算法优化层合板铺层,在算法内采用并行计算、引入记忆功能同时设置双阈值终止准则,有效地提高了优化过程的收敛速度,同时避免优化过程中出现局部最优解。以临界屈曲载荷系数作为目标函数,选取复合材料层合板的铺设角度顺序为设计变量,采用改进的模拟退火算法得出复合材料层合板的最优铺设角度以及铺层顺序。     

基于遗传算法的复合材料层压板固有频率的铺层顺序优化

本文提出了一种用于组合优化的译码方式和遗传算子.对给定铺层的复合材料层压板在满足固有频率的要求下,采用遗传算法进行了铺层顺序的优化.算例的计算表明:采用本文所述方法,只要搜索解空间的一小部分就能收敛到组合优化问题的最优解.      

基于铺层设计特征的碳纤维增强复合材料悬架控制臂结构优化

基于铺层设计特征,提出一种使用碳纤维复合材料对承载结构件进行结构优化设计的方法和流程.该方法综合考虑结构几何特征、材料铺层方式、铺层厚度及铺层角度在设计环节中的序列关系,通过几何设计空间构建、离散变量多目标优化、基于工艺可行性的最优决策等方法实现结构设计.以碳纤维增强复合材料悬架控制臂的轻量化设计为例:首先,以钢质控制臂结构为参考建立复合材料控制臂的几何设计空间;然后,以复合材料铺层便利性为原则对其进行结构设计,采用准各向同性铺层对控制臂的铺层厚度进行设计;进而,以提高控制臂刚度和1阶固有频率为目标,使用优化算法对铺层角度进行多目标优化设计;最后,以工艺可行性为约束对优化结果进行筛选并最终完成结构设计.结果表明,所设计复合材料结构具有更大的刚度和1阶固有频率,并且与钢质结构相比减重47.9%.所提出的方法能够较好地兼顾结构特征和复合材料设计要求之间的关系,为复合材料结构优化设计理论与方法的发展提供有益参考.     

Multiobjective stacking sequence optimization for laminated composite structures

A Pareto-based multiobjective evolutionary algorithm is presented for stacking sequence optimization of composite structural parts. Special attention has been paid to engineering design guidelines for stacking sequence design. These guidelines are included into the formulation of the optimization problem as constraints or additional objectives. A new initialization strategy is proposed following mechanical considerations. The method is applied to the optimal design of a composite plate for weight minimization and maximization of the buckling margins under three hundred load cases that make also the originality of this work. It is shown that the introduction of new ply orientations compared to the classical 0°, ±45° and 90° plies can lead to significantly improved optimal designs.     

Swarm algorithms for single- and multi-objective optimization problems incorporating sensitivity analysis

Swarm algorithms such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) are non-gradient probabilistic optimization algorithms that have been successfully applied for global searches in complex problems such as multi-peak problems. However, application of these algorithms to structural and mechanical optimization problems still remains a complex matter since local optimization capability is still inferior to general numerical optimization methods. This article discusses new swarm metaphors that incorporate design sensitivities concerning objective and constraint functions and are applicable to structural and mechanical design optimization problems. Single- and multi-objective optimization techniques using swarm algorithms are combined with a gradient-based method. In the proposed techniques, swarm optimization algorithms and a sequential linear programming (SLP) method are conducted simultaneously. Finally, truss structure design optimization problems are solved by the proposed hybrid method to verify the optimization efficiency.     

Higher order models on the eigenfrequency analysis and optimal design of laminated composite structures

This paper deals with the structural optimization of multilaminated composite plate structures of arbitrary geometry and lay up, using single layer higher order shear deformation theory discrete models. The structural and sensitivity analysis formulation is developed for a family of C⁰ Lagrangian elements. The design sensitivities of free vibration response for objective and/or constraint functions with respect to ply angles and ply thickness are presented. The objectives of the design are the maximization of natural frequencies of specified modes and/or the minimization of the structure weight or volume. The accuracy and relative performance of the proposed discrete models are compared and discussed among developed elements and alternative models. Several test designs are optimized to show the applicability of the proposed refined discrete models.     

A study on the application of material selection optimization approach for structural-acoustic optimization

Issues of application of the material selection optimization approach for structural-acoustic optimization is investigated herein. By introducing the stacking sequence hypothesis of metal material, the mechanical properties parameters and plies’ numbers of the metal material or composite material are defined as design variables; the mathematical formulation about material selection optimization approach is established. Finally, a hexahedral box structure is taken as an example, and the material selection optimization is conducted. By introducing genetic algorithm (GA), the optimization problem is solved. The numerical example shows the effectiveness of the proposed stacking sequence hypothesis of metal material.     

DESIGN SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS AND OPTIMAL DESIGN OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES USING HIGHER ORDER DISCRETE MODELS

This paper deals with the structural optimization of multilaminated composite plate structures of arbitrary geometry and layup, using single layer higher order shear deformation theory discrete models. The structural and sensitivity analysis formulation is developed for a family of C° Lagrangian elements. The design sensitivities of static response for objective and/or constraint functions, such as maximum displacements, stress failure criterion and elastic strain energy, with respect to ply angles and ply thickness are presented. The objectives of the design are the minimization of the structural elastic strain energy, minimization of maximum deflection and/or the minimization of the structure volume. The accuracy and relative performance of the proposed discrete models are compared and discussed among developed elements and alternative models. Several test designs are optimized to show the applicability of the proposed refined discrete models.     

基于几何因子的复合材料气动弹性剪裁设计

实现了基于几何因子的复合材料层合板建模,解决了几何因子与Natran的参数输入问题,并根据工艺约束中的最小铺层比例对几何因子可行空间进行了推导补充。在此基础上,提出了一种基于几何因子和Nastran的复合材料气动弹性剪裁优化设计方法。首先以总厚度和几何因子作为设计变量以及以Nastran作为求解器,以强度、刚度、颤振和发散速度以及几何因子相关性约束作为约束条件进行结构寻优,得到最优的铺层总厚度和几何因子。其次,以最优几何因子作为目标,进行铺层结构逆问题求解,约束条件为复合材料铺层工艺约束。因几何因子为铺层厚度和铺层顺序的表达式,与传统的多级优化相比,以几何因子作为设计变量可以避免铺层厚度和铺层顺序的解耦,进而获得更大的设计空间,且得到的铺层结构可以满足工艺约束。最后,对一矩形悬臂复合材料层合板进行剪裁设计,使得铺层结构满足气动弹性约束且质量最小。结果显示,运用该优化方法可以得到质量更小且满足工艺约束的铺层结构。     

Optimization of aeroelastic composite structures using evolutionary algorithms

The flutter/divergence speed of a simple rectangular composite wing is maximized through the use of different ply orientations. Four different biologically inspired optimization algorithms (binary genetic algorithm, continuous genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and ant colony optimization) and a simple meta-modeling approach are employed statistically on the same problem set. In terms of the best flutter speed, it was found that similar results were obtained using all of the methods, although the continuous methods gave better answers than the discrete methods. When the results were considered in terms of the statistical variation between different solutions, ant colony optimization gave estimates with much less scatter.     

Multi-material topology optimization of laminated composite beam cross sections

This paper presents a novel framework for simultaneous optimization of topology and laminate properties in structural design of laminated composite beam cross sections. The structural response of the beam is evaluated using a beam finite element model comprising a cross section analysis tool which is suitable for the analysis of anisotropic and inhomogeneous sections of arbitrary geometry. The optimization framework is based on a multi-material topology optimization model in which the design variables represent the amount of the given materials in the cross section. Existing material interpolation, penalization, and filtering schemes have been extended to accommodate any number of anisotropic materials. The methodology is applied to the optimal design of several laminated composite beams with different cross sections. Solutions are presented for a minimum compliance (maximum stiffness) problem with constraints on the weight, and the shear and mass center positions. The practical applicability of the method is illustrated by performing optimal design of an idealized wind turbine blade subjected to static loading of aerodynamic nature. The numerical results suggest that the proposed framework is suitable for simultaneous optimization of cross section topology and identification of optimal laminate properties in structural design of laminated composite beams.     

航空发动机复合材料主轴优化方案设计方法

提出了航空发动机复合材料主轴优化设计方法,建立了以质量最轻为目标函数,以强度、临界转速和外径尺寸为约束,以轴芯厚度、复合材料层数、各层厚度和各层铺设角度为优化设计变量的优化数学模型。基于ANSYS软件,建立了发动机复合材料主轴优化方案设计平台,着重解决了可同时进行离散和连续设计变量优化的问题。以低压涡轮主轴为例,进行了金属基复合材料主轴优化设计,设计的复合材料主轴质量比同负荷金属轴减少36.16%。     

基于非线性本构关系的复合材料风机叶片有限元极限分析与设计

为了研究具有三维复杂构形的复合材料风机叶片的逐次破坏过程和极限承载能力, 将复合材料细观力学非线性本构理论桥联模型与有限元软件ABAQUS通过用户子程序UGENS结合起来对风力发电机叶片结构进行极限强度分析。只需提供纤维和基体的材料性能参数、 纤维体积含量以及蒙皮和增强筋的铺层数据包括铺设角、 层厚和铺层数, 就可预报出复合材料复杂叶片结构的整体承载能力以及叶片破坏所处的位置, 为正确评估和合理设计风机叶片结构提供了一种简便有效的分析方法。以一种20kW风机叶片为例, 用此方法实现了新型复合材料叶片结构的极限分析和合理设计, 提高了叶片的强度和刚度, 有效降低了叶片的重量。本文中的方法同样适用于其它复合材料复杂结构的极限分析与强度设计。      

基于材料选型优化的金属-复合材料组合结构-声辐射优化

基于金属铺层假设,以结构材料属性和材料铺层数量为设计变量,建立了基于金属-复合材料的材料选型结构-声辐射优化设计模型。以钢-纤维增强复合材料组合结构为例,开展了多设计变量、多约束条件的结构-声辐射优化研究。最后,采用遗传算法进行求解,实现了结构材料的转换。数值算例表明,通过金属-复合材料组合结构的材料选型优化,可以有效降低钢-纤维增强复合材料结构的振动和声辐射。文中的研究方法为结构材料的分布优化提供了一种可行有效的思路。     

基于遗传算法的复合材料层合板削层结构铺层优化

针对应力变化较大的碳纤维增强复合材料层合板,提出削层结构铺层分级优化模式。通过将结构分解为若干子铺层并对各子铺层的位置、尺寸、铺层数以及铺层顺序进行优化,得到了满足强度和可制造性要求且质量最小的结构设计方案。该模式的第1、2级优化利用参考层对各子铺层位置及尺寸进行优化,第3级优化通过引入3次样条插值参数化方法对各子铺层层数和铺层顺序进行优化。参考层的引入可减少设计变量的数量,3次样条插值参数化方法可解决以铺层角为设计变量时设计变量数目不确定的问题。利用有限元方法对结构进行力学分析计算,并依据Tsai-Wu准则确定结构强度。在第2、3级优化中利用遗传算法对优化问题进行求解。算例计算表明:削层结构铺层分级优化模式结果合理可信。与均匀铺层方法结果比较可知:削层结构可有效减少结构质量。     

复合材料层合板屈曲稳定性优化设计及其灵敏度计算方法

笔者在有限元分析基础上研究了以屈曲稳定性作为约束条件或优化目标的复合材料层合板结构优化设计及其灵敏度分析方法,重点讨论了屈曲临界荷载灵敏度对内力场和载荷的依赖关系及其在铺层优化、尺寸优化和形状优化问题中的不同计算方法,并在JIFEX软件中实现了复杂结构复合材料层合板优化设计方法。数值算例验证了本文算法和程序的有效性。