A simple self-design methodology for laminated composite structures to minimize mass
A simple methodology, based on the finite element method, is presented for the self-design of laminated composite structures. The objective is to minimise the mass, and the design constraint implemented is based on the Tsai-Wu failure criterion. Suitable elements from the finite element model of the structure are deleted until all the elements that can be deleted without affecting the structural (or mesh) integrity have been. In addition, because the present study adopts a numerical approach, the effects of bendingtwisting coupling are included. The finite element formulation used is based on Mindlin theory. Simple composite rectangular plates with one and eight layers are used to demonstrate the technique.
self-design composite finite element method minimum mass