Optimization of the buckling load for composite structures taking thermal effects into account

Abstract

This paper deals with optimization of the buckling load for laminated composite structures. A new methodology has been developed where thermal residual stresses introduced in the manufacturing process are included in the buckling analysis. The thermal effects are also included in the calculation of the buckling load sensitivities, and it is therefore possible to “tailor” the thermal residual stresses in order to increase the buckling load.

Rectangular plates and circular cylindrical shells subjected to axial compression are considered. The structures are optimized twice; the first time the thermal residual stresses are ignored in the optimization, and the second time the thermal residual stresses are included in the optimization. These two sets of optimizations give two important results. Firstly, it is possible to increase the buckling load for the structures significantly when the thermal residual stresses are taken into account. Secondly, structures which have been optimized ignoring the effects of thermal residual stresses, may have a buckling load which is much less than expected when the effects of the thermal residual stresses are included.