Optimization of Composites Shell Subjected to Hydrostatic Pressure to Maximize Design Pressure Factor

This paper presented an optimization design of composites pressure hull subjected to hydrostatic pressure. An Optimization Platform was set up by interworking genetic algorithm and numerical analysis. The design pressure factor was considered as the objective function. Buckling and material failure were constraint conditions. Types of layup, fiber angle and ply number are optimized for Carbon/epoxy, Boron/epoxy and Glass/epoxy composites. The results revealed that the buckling pressure or the material failure pressure would restrict the design pressure for different kind of composites. Different types of layup impacted the design pressure factor significantly. Application of composite materials for deep-water pressure shell had more reserve buoyancy. Results of this study could provide a valuable reference for designers of underwater vehicles. And this paper suggests that new way of enhancement, such as variable thickness, composites ribs would be used to solve the conflict of buckling pressure and material failure pressure, and increase the smaller one to improve the design pressure.