Material and cross sectional shape optimizations on polymer matrix composites through computational structural analysis under crippling load

Buckling load based structural variations are critical lifetimes affecting factors of all the structural components. To enhance the lifetime of the structural components, it is mandatory to pre-investigate the various lifetimes affecting factors with respect to working nature of the structural components. Thus, this work computationally analyses the buckling resisting behaviour on various composite materials for different cross sectional shapes. The predominant lightweight materials namely known as Polymer Matrix Composites are involved in material optimization, in which Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer [CFRP], Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer [GFRP] and Kevlar Fiber Reinforced Polymer [KFRP] are contributed as major composite materials. Apart from this optimization the four different cross sectional shape based design optimization also carried out, wherein circle, ellipse, rectangular, and square cross sections are played principal roles. The major investigating approach imposed in this comparative study is ANSYS based computational methodology, so grid convergence and analytical based validation tests are conducted for verification and validation purpose. Finally, the best material and cross sectional shape is optimized under applied crippling load based on the selection factor of low generation of structural outcomes. The focal tools involved in this multi-optimization are ANSYS Mesh Tool, ANSYS Composite Preprocessor, and ANSYS Structural Analyzer.