Constrained-manufacturable stacking sequence design optimization using an improved global shared-layer blending method and its 98-line Matlab code

An improved global shared-layer blending method (GSLB) is suggested to address the constrained-manufacturable stacking sequence design optimization problem of tapered composite structures. First, the mathematical model for tapered composite structures design problem is constructed and the effect of blending constraint on the design space is analyzed. By introducing the set theory, the original GSLB method is improved by aggregating a shape prediction algorithm and a thickness evaluation procedure. The shape prediction algorithm takes advantage of the set computation procedure, which simplifies the process for detecting the shared layers’ boundaries. The maximum blending shared layers are evaluated by the improved GSLB in terms of the thickness distribution of multiple ply orientations. Subsequently, the obtained shared-layers are served as integrated variables for stacking sequence design, in which complex manufacturing constraints are involved. Three multi-panel structures and a wing box structure are adopted to verify the improved GSLB method and stacking sequence design strategy, and perfectly blended solutions are found without violation of manufacturing constraints and mechanical requirements. Finally, the 98 line Matlab code of the improved GSLB method is provided for the convenience of engineering application. This research has two purposes: providing a technique for tailoring design of tapered composite structures and giving reference solutions for constrained-manufacturable stacking sequence design optimization problem.