Genetic Algorithm Optimization of a Filament Winding Process Modeled in WITNESS

Abstract

With the advent of smaller, less expensive, and generally more effective computers, simulation models have become increasingly popular tools for solving engineering problems. More and more, engineers are turning to simulation environments to achieve increased system performance at a reduced cost. One such environment found to be very effective is WITNESS, a modeling program developed by AT&T and Istel. This article describes an effort to link a genetic algorithm with WITNESS to optimize a model of a manufacturing process called filament winding. Results show the genetic algorithm to be an effective, optimization tool for use with WITNESS models.

Key Words:

• Genetic algorithm
• Optimization
• Filament winding
• Composites

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to those at The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, and MICOM who made this research possible. Specials thanks to Dawn Russell for her help in working with the filament winding model.