Buckling Optimization of Laminated Hybrid Composite Shell Structures Using Discrete Material Optimization

1. Abstract The design problem of maximizing the buckling load factor of laminated hybrid composite shell structures is investigated using the so-called Discrete Material Optimization (DMO) approach. The design optimization method is based on ideas from multi-phase topology optimization where the material stiffness is computed as a weighted sum of candidate materials, thus making it possible to solve discrete optimization problems using gradient based techniques and mathematical programming. The potential of the DMO method to solve the combinatorial problem of proper choice of material, stacking sequence and fiber orientation simultaneously is illustrated for two benchmark plate examples, and ongoing work on buckling optimization of a wind turbine blade test section is outlined. 2.