Topology Optimization of Fiber Reinforced Composite Laminates for Minimum Structural Compliance

EasyChair Preprint 12524

Abstract

Due to the light weight and high strength, fiber reinforced composites have been widely used in engineering. With advantages over traditional design methods with resources saved, structural optimization design has been gradually applied in various fields. In recent decades, studies on structural optimization of fiber reinforced composites increased gradually, mainly focusing on the optimization of fiber angle, layer sequences, layer thickness, etc. However, researches on topology optimization of fiber reinforced composite laminates are still insufficient. Therefore, in this study, BESO method is used in topology optimization of fiber reinforced composite laminates for minimum structural compliance. Three classical examples of cantilever, MBB, and L-bracket are used to investigate the influences of topology shapes and fiber angles on the compliance of single layers in detail. Then, topology optimization of composite laminates is conducted by the same scheme, and behavior of layers in a laminate and corresponding influence on compliance are analyzed. In this way, distinct properties of a layer before and after composited can be compared. According to the process and results, through the material interpolation scheme for the fiber reinforced composite material, the BESO method can be applied to the minimum compliance topology optimization of composite laminates with excellent applicability. For single layers, when structure has less freedom in forming, the fiber angle is the main factor affecting compliance. Conversely, the compliance is influenced by topological shapes and fiber angles together. When there are opposite sides with uniform tension and compression in fiber direction, corresponding load bearing efficiency is enhanced with lower compliance. For composite laminates, if fiber angles are combined appropriately, opposite sides with uniform stress along fiber direction appear in each layer with larger stress or a thicker shape.

Keyphrases: BESO method, Composite laminate, Fiber-reinforced, case study, topology optimization

@booklet{EasyChair:12524,
  author    = {Xubo Zhang and Yiyi Zhou},
  title     = {Topology Optimization of Fiber Reinforced Composite Laminates for Minimum Structural Compliance},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 12524},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}