Composite Laminate Optimization Without Finite Element Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite laminate optimization systems rely on finite element modeling, which is time-consuming, costly, and often limited to local optimum solutions, making it difficult to achieve global optimum designs for composite laminate structures used in aircraft and other vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A non-finite element model system and method that uses a processor to iteratively adjust fiber orientation angles and ply sequences, achieving predetermined margins of safety and optimizing composite laminate structures without the need for finite element modeling, allowing for both global and local optimum solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If finite element modeling software is used for composite laminate optimization, then structural analysis accuracy is improved, but design time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential optimization functionality from complex finite element modeling software by implementing a dedicated composite laminate optimization module that performs layup sequence optimization without requiring full FEM analysis, thereby reducing design time while maintaining sufficient accuracy for laminate design decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization process is segmented into distinct phases: initial layup sequence optimization using simplified methods, followed by detailed FEM analysis only for promising candidates, thereby reducing the overall computational time and cost while maintaining accuracy where needed
2Measurement precision
If finite element modeling is used for composite laminate optimization, then analysis accuracy is improved, but computational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial FEM analysis only to selected layup sequences that pass preliminary optimization criteria, rather than performing full FEM analysis on all possible configurations, thereby achieving sufficient accuracy for decision-making while dramatically improving design efficiency
3Reliability
If traditional optimization methods are used, then local optimum solutions are achieved, but global optimum solutions cannot be found
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic optimization approach that adapts the search strategy based on progress: starting with broad exploratory searches to identify promising regions, then transitioning to more focused local optimization methods, thereby achieving both global and local optimum solutions
4Measurement precision
If precise element size and meshing are used in FEM, then analysis accuracy is improved, but design complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the meshing and element definition complexity from the optimization process by using pre-defined standard laminate configurations and simplified geometric models for initial optimization, reserving detailed meshing only for final verification of selected designs
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for creating an optimized composite laminate structure containing a plurality of plies. The system has a processor and a memory, including an application interface. The application interface, when executed by the processor, is configured to operably: receive an input file having one or more of a maximum number of plies, design variables, material properties, and design constraints; determine an initial layup sequence defining parameters of a fiber orientation angle for each ply, and a total percentage of plies at a given fiber orientation angle; iteratively adjust the parameters, until an optimum set of parameters is obtained that achieves one or more predetermined margins of safety, and that achieves optimization of the composite laminate structure; and generate an output file for creating a layup, according to the parameters. The system further has a layup system for creating the optimized composite laminate structure.