Multi-objective design exploration using self-organization map for composite structures made by automated fiber placement

Abstract

In this study, we apply the sequential approximate multi-objective optimization (SAMOO) to an open-hole laminated plate with partially different lay-up configurations for assuming fabrication by the AFP equipment. The SAMOO is a method to search for the optimal design with a small number of evaluations of the objective function while adding appropriate sample points to the response surface. When the optimization problem deals with many objective functions, it becomes difficult to visualize the design candidates and to understand the relationship between the objective functions. Thus, the self-organizing map (SOM) which displays multi-dimensional data in two dimensions is employed for visualization and clustering of obtained non-dominated solutions. Numerical results showed that the trade-off relationships among the three objectives were clarified and design alternatives could be explored according to the design tastes, and it was confirmed that the SOM was effective for the present optimization problem.