Multiscale topology optimization of bi-material laminated composite structures

This work describes a computational model to design bi-material composite laminates, with the objective of optimally design the structure and its material, using a multiscale topology optimization model. It assumes two scales dealing with the structural and the material levels respectively, both for analysis and design. The model is based on a hierarchical structural optimization strategy that takes into account the manufacturing process and fundamental characteristics of composite laminates to minimize the structural compliance. It assumes a mixed set of micro and macro design variables to characterize the distribution of two materials and obtain the optimal composite microstructure at the micro design level and the optimal fiber orientation at the macro level. The results obtained demonstrate that multiscale topology optimization, applied to laminated composite structures, opens the possibility for improved and innovative designs when compared with classical laminated composite design solutions. In addition, these results are helpful to gain insight into the effectiveness of the microstructure features of composite laminates. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.