Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
The paper is focuses on the study of the profile optimisation of a unidimensional structure in idealised critical flutter conditions. The problem has been addressed already by other authors, but here an original technique is used to search for some variables at the left hand end of a simply supported vibrating beam, the knowledge of which is necessary for the numerical integration of the governing equations. Additionally, the frequency is considered as a control parameter. A composite orthotropic symmetric panel with four layers is considered and the optimised profiles of all the structural components determined.