Layerwise adaptive topology optimization of laminate structures

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Abstract
Presents a simple heuristic optimization algorithm to determine weight‐minimal laminate structures. The algorithm is based on an inverted form of growth strategy, where material is removed in areas with low stresses. In the presented algorithm the removal of material is performed in a layerwise manner in areas with low stress or in areas where the layer orientation angle differs significantly from the principal stress direction. In order to get a production‐adapted structure, the layer orientation angles of the available individual plies are not modified and the material is removed only locally in the respective plies. Contrary to a more formal mathematical optimization no sensitivity analyses are needed by the procedure outlined so far and this keeps the corresponding numerical effort reasonably low. The structural analyses have been performed by the Finite Element Program ANSYS and the outlined heuristic algorithm has been implemented by ANSYS‐macros. Several examples of rectangular laminate plates show the effectiveness of the present algorithm.