Buckling optimization of unidirectional composites with graded structures for weight reduction

Abstract

The buckling optimization of unidirectional square rod composites with a given geometry, subjected to uniaxial compression, has been studied in terms of fibre volume fraction and thickness factor, for discrete structures with fibre volume fraction gradients, using a sequential linear programming method. Graded structures have shown some advantages in the design of composites in terms of weight reduction. They have shown 12∼18% reduction in total fibre volume and 8∼12% reduction in weight of composites compared to conventional uniform homogeneous structures.