Optimization of perforated composite plates under tensile stress using genetic algorithm

Discontinuities such as cutouts always cause stress concentration in the structure, which increases the local stress. Understanding the effective parameters on stress concentration and proper selection of these parameters enables the designer to achieve a reliable design. In this paper, the optimum values of the effective parameters on stress distribution around the cutout are determined by genetic algorithm. The fitness function for a genetic algorithm is defined by generalization of the analytical solution based on Lekhnitskii method for different cutouts. The finite element method is used to check the validity of the obtained fitness function. Also, the genetic algorithm was able to predict the optimal value of each effective parameter on stress distribution while keeping constant the values of the other parameters. The results showed that material properties, geometry of cutout and angle load have much effect on stress concentration.