Lightweight design of variable-angle filament-wound cylinders combining Kriging-based metamodels with particle swarm optimization

Abstract Variable-angle filament-wound (VAFW) cylinders are herein optimized for minimum mass under manufacturing constraints, and various design loads. A parameterization based on a second-order polynomial variation of the tow winding angle along axial direction is utilized to explore nonlinear steering-thickness dependency in VAFW structures, whereby thickness becomes function filament steering angle. Particle swarm optimization coupled with three Kriging-based metamodels used find optimum designs. single-curvature Bogner–Fox–Schmit–Castro finite element formulated accurately efficiently represent variable stiffness properties shells, verifications performed using general purpose plate element. Alongside main studies, vast analysis space metamodels, showing gap buckling strength that confirmed by genetic algorithm optimizations. Extreme lightweight while buckling-resistant designs reached, non-conventional layouts thanks high degree build-up tailoring.