Hierarchical genetic algorithms for composite laminate panels stress optimisation

Genetic algorithms (GAs) have demonstrated to be a powerful technique for solving optimisation problems. In this article, the problem of optimising the number of plies and their stacking sequence in the design of laminated composite panels is considered. This problem has special features that makes it different from traditional problems in which GAs have been applied, which make the problem a multiobjective optimisation one. Symmetry and equilibrium constraints have also been included in the solution. A modification of the canonical GA is needed and a new perspective for solving this problem by using GA techniques is introduced