Simultaneous Optimization of Design and Manufacture of Composite Structures

In this study, an optimization methodology is presented in order to simultaneousl y satisfy the structural requirements and the manufacturing process requirements for the composite plates manufactured through Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process. The interrelations between the structural parameters and the process parameters are identified. With some proper assumptions, the multi-objective problem is taken into consideration by formulating the objective function. As structural parameters, an optimal stacking sequence is investigated which minimizes the maximum displacement and the mold filling time for a given structure geometry, material properties and loading condition. As process parameters, optimal injection gate locations and injection pressure values are considered in order to minimize the mold filling time and the maximum void content in the final product. A genetic algorithm is adopted as an optimization algorithm. The results for sample problems showed the usefulness of the developed computer code for tailoring the structural and the process configurations.