Metaheuristic optimal design of adaptive composite beams

Abstract

The integration of active materials in composite structures confers them the capability of adapting its behaviour when submitted to loads, overcoming a merely passive response. This adaptive character can be further optimized if the adequate design variable parameters are identified and selected. This work presents a study on the use of a metaheuristic bio-inspired technique to optimize (non-)skewed adaptive composite beams where material properties vary along the length. The results illustrate the performance of the analysis-optimization package implemented as well as the possible range of behaviours, beyond the optimal configurations achieved for the set of case studies.