Multi-objective Optimization of Hybrid Carbon/Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite Automotive Drive Shaft

Using composite materials in design and fabrication of drive shafts with high value of fundamental natural frequency which at represents high value of critical speed could provide longer shafts with lighter weight compared to typical metallic materials. In this paper, multi-objective optimization (MOP) of a composite drive shaft is performed considering three conflicting objectives: fundamental natural frequency, critical buckling torque and weight of the shaft. Fiber orientation angle, ply thickness and stacking sequence are also considered as the design variables in this MOP. Modified Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (modified NSGA II) is employed to solve this MOP. To calculate fundamental natural frequency and critical buckling torque, a finite element model of composite drive shaft of a truck is carried out using commercial software ABAQUS/Standard. Finally, optimum design points are obtained and from all non-dominated optimum design points, some tradeoff points are picked using a multi-criteria decision making approach named TOPSIS and the points are discussed.