An innovative optimization technique is presented for the design of composite laminated plates subjected to in-plane loads. A list of quasi-homogeneous laminates that can be used as angle-ply materials is proposed as a comprehensive solution for optimum lay-up. Two optimization procedures are performed: Dimensioning of the flexural stiffness and the elastic modulus, which provides the optimal orientations for the layers and offer highest in-plane resistance to composite laminated structures. The polar formalism for plane anisotropy is used to represent the flexural stiffness and elastic modulus tensors. Numerical examples are resolved for two materials with different elastic moduli.
