A novel optimization technique for identifying stacking sequence and elastic constants in composite laminates

A new inverse method is presented for laminate characterization. The elastic constants of an orthotropic plate with a given lay-up are first identified. Then, the method is utilized to simultaneously determine the stacking sequence and elastic constants, to be examined at the first time. In the direct scheme, the natural frequencies of the laminate are obtained through a parabolic shear deformation theory (PSDT) and outcomes are compared with the experimental data and analytical solutions available in the literature. The proposed inverse scheme implements a novel metaheuristic optimization algorithm, named Drops Contact Algorithm (DCA). The results confirm better performance in convergent speed and accuracy for laminate characterization through making comparisons with those from other famous algorithms.