Mixed Integer Linear Programming formulations of the stacking sequence and blending optimisation of composite structures

Ntourmas, G.; Glock, F.; Daoud, F.; Schuhmacher, G.; Chronopoulos, D.; �zcan, E.

Abstract

This manuscript proposes two novel formulations for the manufacturable stacking sequence retrieval of laminated composite structures. Detailed sizing of composite structures is commonly tackled by a two-stage optimisation approach, the first stage being a weight minimisation resulting in a continuous thickness and stiffness distribution of the structure. The second stage, which is the focus of the current paper, aims at retrieving stacking sequences that match the optimised target thickness and stiffness characteristics of the first stage, while also fulfilling a set of predefined design and manufacturing rules, with blending being one of the most crucial ones. The problem of retrieving layered designs that meet all of the prescribed composite rules is formulated as two Mixed Integer Linear Programming instances which mainly differ in how the blending is treated. Using either of the two formulations, mathematical programming algorithms can be employed to solve the problem to global optimality. Results show that both formulations can produce manufacturable solutions that fulfil the imposed composite rules. High-quality solutions can be obtained consistently, while benefiting from increased design freedom concerning the blending formulation.

Citation

Ntourmas, G., Glock, F., Daoud, F., Schuhmacher, G., Chronopoulos, D., & Özcan, E. (2021). Mixed Integer Linear Programming formulations of the stacking sequence and blending optimisation of composite structures. Composite Structures, 264, 113660. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2021.113660

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 26, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Feb 23, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Deposit Date: Apr 16, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 24, 2023
• Journal: Composite Structures
• Print ISSN: 0263-8223
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 264
• Pages: 113660
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2021.113660
• Keywords: Civil and Structural Engineering; Ceramics and Composites
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5468549
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0263822321001215
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Mixed Integer Linear Programming formulations of the stacking sequence and blending optimisation of composite structures; Journal Title: Composite Structures; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2021.113660; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.