Multi-Objective Optimal Design and Natural Frequency Analysis of Shape Memory Alloy Composite Beams Using Genetic Algorithm

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a new generation of smart materials which was the subject of researches in recent years. In this study, SMAs are employed to improve the vibrational and structural behavior of composite beams. A numerical solution was presented for natural frequency analysis of the clamped-clamped beam and the obtained results were validated with results of available references. Two main goals were followed in this study: first, analysis the influences of effective design parameters of embedded SMA wires on natural frequencies of composite beams and second, optimal design of SMAs to improve the vibrational and structural behavior of composite beam. In the first step, the effect of design parameters of shape memory alloy wires including the number and the diameter of wires on natural frequencies and total mass of structure was studied. In the second step, maximization of the first natural frequency of the structure and minimization of the total weight of the structure was the objective function of multi-objective optimization process which was performed by employing the genetic algorithm and weighted sum optimization approach. The obtained results of optimization processes confirmed the high efficiency of the proposed approach to improve the vibrational and structural properties of Shape memory alloys composite beam.