Optimization of laminated composite plates for maximum fundamental frequency using Elitist-Genetic algorithm and finite strip method

Abstract In the present paper, fundamental frequency optimization of symmetrically laminated composite plates is studied using the combination of Elitist-Genetic algorithm (E-GA) and finite strip method (FSM). The design variables are the number of layers, the fiber orientation angles, edge conditions and plate length/width ratios. The classical laminated plate theory is used to calculate the natural frequencies and the fitness function is computed with a semi-analytical finite strip method which has been developed on the basis of full energy methods. To improve the speed of the optimization process, the elitist strategy is used in the Genetic algorithm. The performance of the E-GA is also compared with the simple genetic algorithm and shows the good efficiency of the E-GA algorithm. A multi-objective optimization strategy for optimal stacking sequence of laminated box structure is also presented, with respect to the first natural frequency and critical buckling load, using the weighted summation method to demonstrate the effectiveness of the E-GA. Results are corroborated by comparing with other optimum solutions available in the literature, wherever possible.