Advanced Genetic Algorithms for Designing Complex Laminated Composite Structures

This paper presents a pair of software tools that have been created by ADOPTECH for laminated composite structural design. The first software tool is an advanced genetic algorithm optimization code called DARWIN that has been developed specifically for engineering design problems. DARWIN has the capability to design complex laminated composite structures by utilizing a flexible data structure, specialized genetic operators, and features that improve the efficiency and reliability of the genetic algorithm optimization procedure. DARWIN serves as the optimization engine for OLGA (Optimization of Laminates using Genetic Algorithms), a Javabased graphical user interface that simplifies the process of configuring a composite laminate design problem. Several features of the DARWIN/OLGA software are reviewed throughout the paper. The capabilities of the software are then demonstrated by designing an E-shaped composite structure comprised of ten monolithic panels. Each panel is designed for both minimum weight and cost while satisfying several lay-up, performance, and manufacturing constraints.