Optimal design of large composite panels with varying loads

This paper presents an optimization formulation for the design of large composite panels when loads vary over the panel. A methodology termed “blending” is introduced and used to ensure that a panel is manufacturable. Two ways of specifying the blending rules in optimal design formulation are set forth and compared. A global optimization algorithm, Improving Hit-and-Run (IHR), is used to find optimal designs. A composite panel is designed with and without using blending rules to demonstrate their effectiveness. The resulting designs show that blending rules are a great assistance in designing large composite panels that are tailored for varying loads in a practical manner.