Structural optimization of composite propeller with integer-coded parallel genetic algorithm

An integer-coded parallel genetic algorithm is presented for solving large scale composite structures optimization problem. This optimization method, which is applied to the structure optimization of a composite propeller, makes staking sequence and staking thickness be optimized simultaneously. First, on the basis of region division, a length-control factor for every ply is added to decide the regions of composite plies. Second, the GA(genetic algorithm) is improved to make it a high-efficiency algorithm that can optimize staking sequence and staking thickness simultaneously. Then, MPI(message-passing interface) is adopted to build parallel program environment and master-slave parallel GA to fulfill the parallel calculation of GA through single computer multi-process method. Finally, the optimization method proposed is used to optimize a composite propeller to demonstrate the high efficiency. The acceleration effect of the parallel GA is also analyzed.