Optimization of open-hole variable stiffness composite plates under tensile loading using curved continuous fibers

This paper describes optimization of variable stiffness composite plates (VSCPs) with open-holes under tensile loading. Curved continuous fibers are used to optimize distributions of fiber orientation and the fiber volume fraction during the optimization for the VSCPs. The modeling of VSCPs is performed by means of fiber trajectories, which are aligned in the direction of maximum principal stress. The progressive failure of the VSCPs is modeled by a material property degradation method, taking into account the variable distributions of material properties to predict the ultimate load. It is demonstrated that the ultimate load for the composite plates is increased using the change in a reinforcement structure and a transition from unidirectional to curvilinear reinforcement of fibers. Thus, application of VSCPs with curved fibers compared with unidirectional composites results in more effective use of composite materials in various fields of industry.