The demands for a high-performance prosthesis include high strength and low weight. This study addresses the optimization of a new tube concept, made of composite material, which makes use of an isogrid and internal layer. For the methodological procedure, a response surface methodology (RSM) was used to define in what quantity, under what conditions and which data should be collected during a given experiment, seeking to satisfy the highest statistical precision and the lowest cost in the response. After RSM analysis, the finite element method was used for structural calculations for each condition of the experiment. The numerical results allowed the creation of a meta-model capable of translating the global structural behaviour. Thus, it was possible to optimize the parameters that were translated as responses applied to a lattice structure by particle swarm optimization and the Lichtenberg algorithm (LA). Comparison of the results demonstrated the good performance of the LA.

Purpose: This study aims to develop a numerical identification and characterization of crack propagation through the use of a new optimization metaheuristics called Lichtenberg optimization. Design/methodology/approach: The damage-identification problem is treated as an inverse problem, which combines finite element methods with intelligent computational methods to obtain the best possible response. To optimize the objectives, the Lichtenberg algorithm is applied, which includes concepts of random cluster growth in nature. Findings: The simulations show that it is possible to determine the Lichtenberg spectrum algorithm a part of the structure to be removed and replaced in this case to stop the propagation. Originality/value: The results show a very good crack identification in plates-like structures using the Lichtenberg algorithm (LA) based only in strain fields. Although many studies have reported on damage-identification-based optimization methods, very few have focused on the crack tip modeling and LA as the main solver.