Optimization of Variable Stiffness Composites in Automated Fiber Placement Process using Evolutionary Algorithms

Stiffness variety in composite parts is performed by local improvement in directions which are more favorable to carry loads in Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) technology. An approach to find the optimum position and the best length of layup dropping in AFP technology is introduced. Since, the objectives are minimum weight and maximum stiffness, problem is considered as a multi-objective optimization. Fiber failure, matrix cracking, and onset of delamination take into account as the constraints for objective function. A comparative study is introduced to evaluate the performance of Genetic algorithm and Firefly algorithm in finding the global optimum result.