Multi-objective optimization of multifunctional composite laminates for improved microwave absorbing and load bearing capacity

The thin structure that possesses both excellent stealth and load-bearing capabilities has a high demand in the military. This article proposes a multifunctional composite laminates, along with its optimization strategy. The novel structure comprises several layers of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics and each layer has a fixed thickness. The matrix of each layer is made of polymer dispersed with graphene oxide of varying volume fractions, which facilitates the transmission, absorption, and reflection of microwave. The multi-objective optimization strategy of composite laminates is conducted by considering the ply orientation and volume fraction of graphene oxide as design variables, and the bending stiffness and microwave absorbing bandwidth of the overall structure as design objectives, meanwhile the JAYA, a metaheuristic algorithm is employed as the optimizer. The results demonstrate that the optimization algorithm can efficiently adjust the structure to an optimal state. Furthermore, compared with the original structure, the optimized structure has a 190% increase in load-bearing capacity and a 30.3% increase in microwave absorbing performance. This method can be used for rapid design of aircraft stealth skins.