Semnan University Press Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures 2423-4826 14 1 2027 04 01 Finite Element Analysis and Optimization of the Composite Plate Subjected to Close-Range Explosion 123 134 10487 10.22075/macs.2026.38027.1872 EN Lamsadfa Sidamar Laboratory of Materials and Energy, University of Tamanghasset, Tamanghasset, Algeria Mamouri Said Soils and Thermal Engineering Laboratory (LMST), Université des Sciences et de la Technologie d'Oran Mohamed-Boudiaf USTO-MB Algeria Laid Gasmi Laboratory of Mathematics Modelling and Application, Faculty of SMMI, Adrar University, Algeria Rami Khalid Mohammad Suleiman Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Advanced Materials, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia Mohammed Hadj Meliani Laboratory for Theoretical Physics and Material Physics (LPTPM), Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef. P.O Box. 151, Hay Essalem, 02000, Chlef, Algeria 0000-0003-1375-762X Belakhdar Khalil Laboratory of Materials and Energy, University of Tamanghasset, Tamanghasset, Algeria Journal Article 2025 06 08 Composite materials, particularly glass and carbon fibre composites, are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and defence applications because of their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and superior mechanical performance. However, their structural integrity can be severely compromised when subjected to high-intensity dynamic loads such as close-range explosions. His study presents a comprehensive finite element analysis (FEA) and optimization methodology to evaluate and improve the blast resistance of these composite plates under surface contact explosive loading. The numerical model was developed in LS-DYNA, where the laminates were modeled with 3D solid elements and governed by the Tsai–Wu failure criterion to predict ply failure behaviour. Model validation was carried out by comparing numerical predictions with experimental data from the literature, showing good agreement in terms of delamination area, perforation, and damage distribution.<br />Following validation, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) implemented through LS-OPT was employed to optimize the laminate lay-up sequence, aiming to maximize the safety factor. The optimization yielded significant performance improvements—raising the safety factor by up to 63% and reducing delamination damage by up to 33%. Furthermore, the effect of explosive stand-off distance was analyzed, revealing its critical role in mitigating structural damage. The proposed framework provides a reliable and practical numerical tool for designing and optimizing blast-resistant composite structures, offering valuable guidance for aerospace, defence, and automotive engineers to develop lighter and safer structural components capable of withstanding severe explosion environments. https://macs.semnan.ac.ir/article_10487_d565b532300156225c9b2bfa57896ece.pdf