Numerical Optimization of Stress Concentration in Composite Structures for Different Material Arrangement

Complex machine parts are characterized by different shapes, material characteristics and working loads. The simultaneous theoretical optimization of shape and material properties is difficult because the single objective functional with a unique physical interpretation is unknown for these two features. The optimization is the multi-criteria procedure or the functional is a weighted average of partial criteria with the assumed weight values. Therefore, the structure and material characteristics are optimized numerically. The main goal of the article was to model and optimize the stress distribution inside the composite plates subjected to complex load. The advanced material composition was made of four different materials: steel, ductile iron, E-glass fibers and carbon fibers. The stress distributions were optimized for the homogeneous plate, the sandwich composite made of metal and textile layers, and the plate with additional stiffening elements (ribs and another plate along the neck portion). Based on the numerical simulations, the optimal structural shapes and material arrangements were determined.