Modelling and design of adaptive structures using B-spline strip models

The aim of this paper is to present a family of laminated plate/shell B-spline finite strip models based on higher order displacement fields applied to the optimal design of laminated composite plate/shell structures with embedded and/or surface bonded piezoelectric actuators and sensors. Simulated annealing, as a stochastic global optimisation technique, is used to improve the performance of composite adaptive structures subjected to behavioural functions and/or constraints, with continuous and discrete design variables. To show the applicability of the proposed optimisation models, two illustrative examples are presented and discussed.