Optimisation of blended bistable laminates for a morphing flap

Multistable composites offer significant deformations in stable shapes, and, this makes them interesting for morphing applications. Moreover, bistable laminates can be manufactured to have variable angle tows (VATs) in a ply using a tow-steering technique to ensure continuity of fibres over the planform of the laminates and, in doing so, may impart additional structural strength due to load path continuity along-with the prospect of easier integration with the major structure by blending lay-ups across components. The use of ant colony systems as an optimisation concept has been implemented, incorporating the feedback from the finite element analysis to identify blended VAT (equivalent) bistable laminate for a morphing flap application. Proof-of-concept is demonstrated by manufacture of VAT (equivalent) laminates. Presented research findings highlight the potential of blended bistable laminates, developed through optimisation based design methodology, for morphing applications. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.