Buckling optimization and antioptimization of composite plates: uncertain loading combinations

Abstract The problem of optimal design for elastic buckling loads of composite plates under uncertain loading conditions is considered. It is observed that this is a multicriterion optimization problem whose solution is time consuming. Thus, an alternative minimax formulation is proposed and demonstrated. The buckling load is maximized with respect to the structural parameters and minimized with respect to variations in the load parameters. The mechanical loads applied to the rectangular plates are a combination of normal compression and shear. Moreover, the admissible loading configurations belong to a convex hull which significantly enhances the optimization procedure. The consideration of an uncertainty degree in the mechanical loads leads to optimal designs which are inherently insensitive to perturbations and/or randomness in the applied loads. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.