Buckling load optimization of laminated composite stepped columns

This paper deals with critical buckling load optimization of symmetric angle-ply laminated stepped flat columns under axial compression load. The design objective is the maximization of the critical buckling load and the design variable is the fiber orientations in the layers of the laminates. The classical laminate plate theory is used for the finite element solution of the laminated stepped flat columns. The modified feasible direction (MFD) method is used for the optimization routine. For this purpose, a program based on FORTRAN is exploited. Finally, the optimization results are presented for width ratios (b/B), ratios of fillet radius (r1/r2), aspect ratios (L/B) and boundary conditions. The results are presented in graphical and tabular forms and the results are compared.