Multiconstrained optimization of laminated and sandwich plates using evolutionary algorithms and higher-order plate theories

The optimization of laminated and sandwich plates with respect to buckling load and thickness has been performed, using different sets of constraints such as the fundamental frequency, the maximum deflection under transverse uniform distributed load, the mass and the buckling load. Two different evolutionary algorithms have been employed (genetic algorithm and simulated annealing (SA)) together with two plate models (classical plate theory and cubic zig-zag model). The performed analyses show that the two evolutionary algorithms provide almost the same results though the SA procedure is less time consuming; furthermore, results of the two displacement theories are the closer to each other the higher the side-to-thickness ratio is.