Compose-It

Abstract

Compose-it is a software tool developed to aid users in the design of composite materials. This tool allows the user to input functional requirements associated with the composite structure and its loading. The software tool has a user-friendly graphical user interface which leads the user through the various phases of design and optimization of composites. While the analysis is based on the classical laminated plate theory, several special boundary conditions are incorporated to allow for out-of-plane loading and mixed boundary condition scenarios. The tool accepts many input variables relating to materials (fiber and matrix), material anisotropy, ply thickness, orientation, staking sequence, and symmetry and special layups. Output includes stress, strains, stiffness, and deflections for optimized ply stack-ups. Simulated annealing optimization technique is incorporated so that the user can compare different ‘optimum’ solutions for desired criteria such as design for maximum in-plane stiffness or maximum in-plane strength.