Effectiveness of optimal design with respect to computational models for laminated composite structures weakened by holes

The present work deals with the shape optimization of laminated structures via semianalytical sensitivity anslysis, based on linear programming. Particular attention is focused on the concise and correct finite element formulation of the problem taking into account explicit differentiation with respect to the control parameters. A series of numerical examples shows the influence of orthotropy parameters (treated as the level of anisotropy), stacking sequences, FE models and the employed 2-D plate theories of structures on the resulting optimal shapes.