Composite Laminate Weight Optimization on the Timex-Sinclair 1000 Microcomputer.
Abstract
CLASS (Composite Laminate Automated Sizing for Strength) is an interactive optimization program designed to run on a small microcomputer. The listing presented here is for a Sinclair ZX81 or a Timex-Sinclair 1000 microcomputer with a 16K memory expansion. The version of Basic is standard enough that translations to other microcomputers is possible. The program will find a minimum thickness laminate which will not fail under any of the load conditions entered. Ply orientation are chosen by the user. The program's capability in handling multiple, independent, loads could be useful for loads which change with time or for situations where there is uncertainty in calculating the loads. As the program is currently dimensioned, four independent load combinations and 18-ply orientations can be entered. Only point stresses are considered, thus the program optimizes the laminate only at one point in the structure. Furthermore, the program assumes in-plane loads only and no out-of-plane deflections. This implies a symmetric laminate, but stacking sequence is not a factor in the program. The layer thicknesses generated by the program are the total and must be divided by 2 to get the halves of a symmetric laminate. No knowledge of optimization techniques is needed to run the program and very little knowledge of laminate plate theory is needed. In addition, material properties for five common advanced composites are stored in the program, or the computer can ask for new properties through prompts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA130214
Entities
People
- Gerald V. Flanagan
Organizations
- Wright Laboratory