A Spline-Based Shape Optimization Workflow for Composite Shells Using Metaheuristic Algorithm and CALFEM-Python

This paper presents a workflow for the optimization of the shape of composite shells, where the shell model is parameterized by Splines. To achieve this, Gmsh API is used to establish the shell geometry using Splines passing through control points, where the coordinates of these points serve as the design variables. A self-developed module ‘geometry.py’ is built to ease the modeling task. The CALFEM-Python toolbox, supplemented with the CS-DSG3-A planar triangular shell element, is used as a tool for analyzing shell behavior depending on the geometry from Gmsh. The optimal shell shape is automatically sought through an improved differential evolution optimization framework. The entire optimization workflow is applied to isotropic and laminated composite shell models and evaluated.