An optimization procedure is proposed for minimum weight design of laminated fiber-reinforced composite plate having midplane symmetry and subject to strength and displacement constraints under given loads. Eight-node isoparametric element is adopted in the finite element analysis of structure. Structural weight is taken as objective function, while the ply thicknesses represent defisgn variables.

The recurrence relation for determining the optimal ply thicknesses are derived on the following bases: 1. in each ply the strength criterion (Tsai-Hill criterion) is critically satisfied to meet the strength constraints. 2. the optimality criterion method based on Kuhn-Tucker condition is used to meet the displacement constraints. As the results of calculation, the optimal ply thicknesses with preselected fiber orientations are given to satisfy the requirements of various constraints and minimum structural weight. The proposed method may be easy to be accepted by engineers because of the simple implementation and clear concept. The illustrative examples indicate the efficiency of the method. In general the optimal design can be obtained through 4-6 iterations.

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