Multiobjective design optimization of laminated composite plates with piezoelectric layers

A methodology of multiobjective design optimization of laminated composite plates with piezoelectric layers is presented in this paper. Constrained optimization is conducted for different behaviour objectives, like the maximization of buckling load or natural frequencies of specific vibration modes or prescribed displacements for example. Weight minimization can also be considered or the minimization of the electric voltages applied in the piezoelectric actuators. The optimization problems are constrained by stress based failure criteria and other structural response constraints like limits imposed on certain displacements, buckling characteristics and natural frequency constraints. The design variables considered in the present work are the fiber reinforcement orientations in the composite layers, thicknesses of individual layers and the electric potentials applied to the actuators.The optimization problems are solved with two direct search derivative-free algorithms: GLODS (Global and Local Optimization using Direct Search) and DMS (Direct MultiSearch). DMS, the multiobjective optimization solver, is started from a set of local minimizers which are initially determined by the global optimizer algorithm GLODS for each one of the objective functions.