Design selection methodology for composite structures

This paper presents a methodology to help designers select a shortlist or optimum design of composite structure from a large number of alternatives, taking into account conflicting design objectives or constraints (e.g. weight and cost). The methodology is based on creating a database containing results from an exhaustive search of a wide range of possible solutions. These results can be viewed using a commercial software selection package, originally written for materials selection. The designer then has freedom to change the selection criteria and required design constraints, to allow interactive selection of the data. The design methodology is illustrated by way of a case study, the design of a reinforced dogbone specimen.