An Optimization Approach to the Computer Simulation of Composite Materials

A procedure for the optimal modal design of a beam made of a composite material was developed. The two components considered for the composite are a light concrete as the matrix and a polyester fiber as the filler. The fibers inside of the matrix tend to aggregate and to take this into account in the modeling, a subroutine that generates random finite elements corresponding to the fiber clusters was constructed. Three-dimensional simulation using a volumetric model allows to obtain the solutions by means of a coupled modal analysis-optimization procedure, by employing the ANSYS software. The weight of the beam is considered as the objective function. Restrictions are imposed on the first resonant frequency as well as on the design parameters: percentage of fiber polyester, density of the components, and thickness of the beam. The results provide the optimum set of solutions in terms of the parameters that minimize the weight of the beam, while maintaining the first frequency within a specified range of values.