Layup optimisation of laminated composite tubular structures under thermomechanical loading conditions using PSO

Use of laminated tubular composite structures in applications such as pressure vessels and rocket nozzles provides several advantages including significant weight reduction over traditional monolithic materials. This study investigates the use of Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) for the layup design optimisation of a generic tubular geometry under simultaneous thermal and mechanical loading conditions. Existing analytical, closed-form 3D elasticity solutions were used to predict the performance of laminated tubular structures with a specified layup; including implementation of ply-specific fibre-volume fraction. Use of the PSO algorithm is established as a suitable method for optimising laminated tube layup designs by improving upon the weight reduction obtained by a comparative study. Consideration of additional variables, in particular the ply count, is shown to enable increased weight reduction to be achieved. The effect of increasing temperature on the optimised layup design and associated weight reduction was also explored. Significant increases were observed for the weight reduction obtained, facilitated by corresponding reductions in ply thickness and fibre-volume fraction, while ply angle is shown to widen to maintain specified structural requirements. Use of PSO will have a significant impact on the design of laminated tubular composite structures under thermomechanical loading, enabling significant weight reduction over current designs.

Automated summary

This study investigates the use of Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) for the layup design optimisation of laminated tubular composite structures under simultaneous thermal and mechanical loading conditions, achieving significant weight reduction. Regard for additional variables, particularly ply count, enables further weight reduction to be achieved. The effect of increasing temperature on the optimized layup design and associated weight reduction is also explored, demonstrating significant increases in weight reduction obtained.