A Structural Optimization Method for Constant and Variable Stiffness Composite Laminates

Equivalent single-layer theory is widely used in the analysis of fiber-reinforced composite laminate structures, but this theory cannot accurately evaluate the stress and deformation of thick plates. In order to improve the accuracy of the structural optimization design of composite laminate, we propose a topology optimization method of composite laminate based on the layerwise theory. Firstly, the displacement field model of laminates is given by using layerwise theory. Then, with the goal of maximizing stiffness and flexibility, topology optimization equations for composite laminates are established. The structural optimization problem of straight/curved fiber-reinforced composite laminates under different conditions is studied. Finally, several simulation cases are designed to evaluate the accuracy of the layerwise theory and the performance of the proposed topology optimization method. The results show that the calculation accuracy is much higher when using the layerwise theory for structural deformation analysis and optimization than that of the classical laminate theory.