Optimum design of laminated composite plates with cutouts undergoing large amplitude oscillations

The present investigation concerns minimum weight design of composite plates in the presence of cutouts undergoing large amplitude oscillations. The Ritz finite element model using a nine-noded C 0 continuity, isoparametric element along with a higher order displacement theory which accounts for parabolic variation of transverse shear stresses is used to predict the dynamic behavior. The optimal value is found by using a Genetic Algorithm with tournament selection. Results have been obtained for various cutout geometries like square, rectangular, circular and elliptical in the large amplitude range.