Optimum design of fatigue-resistant composite laminates using hybrid algorithm

In this study, a fatigue life prediction model termed as Failure Tensor Polynomial in Fatigue (FTPF) is applied to the optimum stacking sequence design of laminated composites under various in-plane cyclic loadings to obtain maximum fatigue life. The validity of the model is investigated with an experimental correlation using the data available in the literature. The correlation study indicates the reliability of FTPF, and its applicability to different composite materials and multidirectional laminates. In the optimization, a hybrid algorithm combining genetic algorithm and generalized pattern search algorithm is used. It is found by test problems that the hybrid algorithm shows superior performance in finding global optima compared to the so far best results in the literature. After the verifications, a number of problems including different design cases are solved, and the optimum designs constituted of discrete fiber angles which give the maximum possible fatigue lives are proposed to discuss. A comparison study is also performed with selected design cases to demonstrate potential advantages of using non-conventional fiber angles in design. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd