Optimization of Functional Graded Plates for Buckling Load by using Imperialist Competitive Algorithm

The Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) that was recently introduced has shown its good performance in optimization problems. In this paper, a novel optimization algorithm based on ICA is used for optimizing the generalized formulation of critical buckling load on plates made of Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) with variation in thickness. The formulation, which is applicable to thin Functionally Graded (FG) plates, can also be used to analyze and optimize FGMs in each layer of the plates. At last, the results of ICA are compared with those obtained from Genetic Algorithm (GA). The outcome shows the success of ICA in optimizing the buckling load of FG plates.