Application of a new extended layerwise approach to thermal buckling load optimization of laminated composite plates

This paper deals with the applicability of a new extended layerwise optimization method for thermal buckling load optimization of laminated composite plates. The design objective is the maximization of the critical thermal buckling of the laminated plates. The fibre orientations in the layers are considered as design variables. The first order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is used for the finite element solution of the laminates. Finally, the numerical analysis is carried out to show the applicability of extended layerwise optimization algorithm of laminated plates for different parameters such as plate aspect ratios and boundary conditions.