Abstract
Keywords - Shape Optimization, Cutouts, Composite Plate, Growth-Strain method
Abstract - Growth-strain method was applied to shape optimization of cutouts in composite plates. Since growth-strain method optimizes a shape by generating the bulk strain to make the distributed parameter uniform, the distributed parameter was chosen as Tsai-Hill value. In this study, of particular interest is whether growth-strain method developed for shape optimization in isotropic media would work for composite plates. Volume control of growth-strain method makes Tsai-Hill value at each element uniform in composite plates under a predetermined volume. Stress control of growth-strain method makes the Tsai-Hill value of a specific element maintain as the value a designer requires. The shapes optimized by Tsai-Hill fracture index were compared with those of the initial shapes for the various load conditions and predetermined volumes. As a result, it was verified that growth-strain method worked very well for shape optimization of cutouts in composite plates.