Optimization of ply stacking sequence of composite drive shaft using particle swarm algorithm

In this paper an attempt has been made to optimize ply stacking sequence of single piece e-glass/epoxy and boron /epoxy composite drive shafts using particle swarm algorithm (psa). psa is a population based evolutionary stochastic optimization technique which is a resent heuristic search method,where mechanics are inspired by swarming or collaborative behavior of biological population. psa programme is developed to optimize the ply stacking sequence with an objective of weight minimization by considering design constraints as torque transmission capacity,fundamental natural frequency,lateral vibration and torsional buckling strength having number of laminates,ply thickness and stacking sequence as design variables. the weight savings of the e-glass/epoxy and boron /epoxy shaft from pas were 51% and 85% of the steel shaft respectively. the optimum results of psa obtained are compared with results of genetic algorithm (ga) results and found that psa yields better results than ga. © school of engineering,taylor's university.