Bat-inspired optimization of multilayered adaptive structures

Adaptive structures constituted by composites and smart materials is a remarkable engineering combination that join together the already known composites' advantages and the possibility of actively control the mechanical response of a structure. These versatile structures are able to react and interact with their surrounding environments, continuously, to accomplish specific objectives. In this work, the main objective is to study, model and predict the mechanical behaviour of adaptive structures by programming the finite element method and optimization algorithms based on micro-bats' echolocation capacity. An integrated symbolic-numerical-graphical package devoted to the analysis of plate/beam-type structures and its meta-heuristic optimization is implemented, with capabilities of simulating active multilayered structures, constituted by a variable number of different material models. Graded mixtures of piezoelectric particles and non-active materials are also modelled along the structures' length direction. A set of illustrative case studies are performed, for different types of structures and materials and the results obtained are discussed and conclusions are drawn.