Imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) is a new socio-politically motivated global search strategy. The ICA is applied to hybrid composite laminates to obtain minimum weight and cost. The approach which is chosen for conducting the multi-objective optimization was the weighted sum method (WSM). The hybrid composite Laminates are made of glass/epoxy and carbon/epoxy to combine the lightness and...

This study presents an approach that uses the refined zigzag element, {2,2} RZE in conjunction with progressive failure criteria to predict the ultimate strength of composite laminates based on only ply-level strength properties. The methodology involves four major steps: (1) Determination of accurate stress and strain fields under complex loading conditions using {2,2} RZE -based finite elemen...

This paper developed three-dimensional (3D) Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to investigate the effect of fibre lay-up on the initiation of failure of laminated composites in bending. TsaiHill failure criterion was applied to identify the critical areas of failure in composite laminates. In accordance with the 3D FEA, unidirectional ([0]16), cross-ply ([0/90]4s) and angle-ply ([±45]4s) laminates m...

The safe design of primary load-bearing structures requires accurate prediction of stresses, especially in the vicinity of geometric discontinuities where deleterious three-dimensional stress fields can be induced. Even for thin-walled structures significant through-thickness stresses arise at edges and boundaries, and this is especially precarious for laminates of advanced fibre-reinforced com...

Thermal buckling analysis of square composite laminates with variable stiffness properties is presented. Fiber angles vary spatially and result in material properties that are functions of position. The thermal critical buckling temperatures for such laminates are obtained numerically based on classical lamination theory and the finite element method. In this work, the domain is discretized to ...

in the present study, vibration of cylindrical laminates with different layers and angles were studied. in order to actuate and polarize in radial direction, a piezoelectric layer was located at outer surface of composite shell. laminates were assumed long enough so that plane strain state analysis in 2d can be used properly. in order to satisfy the boundary conditions, variables in terms of fo...

A three-dimensional spectral element method SEM was developed for analysis of Lamb wave propagation in composite laminates containing a delamination. SEM is more efficient in simulating wave propagation in structures than conventional finite element method FEM because of its unique diagonal form of the mass matrix. Three types of composite laminates, namely, unidirectional-ply laminates, cross-...

In the present study, vibration of cylindrical laminates with different layers and angles were studied. In order to actuate and polarize in radial direction, a piezoelectric layer was located at outer surface of composite shell. Laminates were assumed long enough so that plane strain state analysis in 2D can be used properly. In order to satisfy the boundary conditions, variables in terms of Fo...

The effect of boundary conditions on the vibrations variable stiffness composite laminates (VSCL) with curvilinear fibers is particularly interesting because fiber orientations at plate edges and in plate’s domain can differ. Since real boundaries are not ideal limit cases usually assumed literature, a more correct model be achieved by representing as elastically restrained edges. This approach...

A NURBS-based isogeometric finite element formulation is developed and adopted to the free vibration analysis of finite square and skew laminated plates. Variable stiffness plies are assumed due to implementation of curvilinear fiberreinforcements. It is assumed due to employment of tow placement technology, in each ply of variable stiffness composite laminated plate the fiber reinforceme...