Topology Optimization for Natural Vibrations of Sandwich Structures with CF/PA6I-6T as Skin Layers and PA6 as a Core Layer

Abstract

In this study, topology optimization techniques were numerically applied to eigen-frequency structural optimization problems of composite sandwich structures with CF/PA6I-6T skin layers and PA6 core layer. General-purpose finite element analysis code, ANSYS and its structural optimization option were used in the present study, in which the density method (SIMP method), one of the numerical approaches in the structural optimization discipline, was employed for seeking the most efficient internal structural forms of core layers for eigen-frequency maximization under certain fixed weight reduction constrains. From the results of the present study, certain optimal inner structures or morphologies could be found out for each set of structural and material configurations for each vibration mode, which makes engineers and researchers of the composite material field have a future prospect of the present attempts.