A new tech brief was recently released on composite optimization. See below for additional information:
Composite materials offer the potential for structures of lighter weight than their metallic counterparts. The stiffness and strength of a laminated composite structure depends directly on the ply stacking sequence. A design process that includes the effects of manufacturing tolerances and variability in lamina properties will allow for a more reliable and robust structure.
Download this new Technology Brief to learn how Isight makes it possible to quickly and thoroughly explore design spaces in a rigorous manner and offers a methodology that adds reliability and robustness considerations to a traditional stiffness optimization and applies it to the design of a composite aircraft winglet.
http://www.3ds.com/fileadmin/PRODUCTS/SIMULIA/PDF/tech-briefs/Aero-Composite-Winglet-Optimization-Reliability-11.pdf