A Framework for Selecting Optimal Composite Materials in Lightweight Structures

This study presents a structured framework for selecting optimal composite materials in lightweight structures, addressing the complex trade-offs between mechanical performance, weight, cost, manufacturability, and environmental impact. The proposed approach integrates performance-based screening, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), and multi-objective optimization within a unified workflow. The framework combines Ashby-type material indices for initial selection, advanced ranking techniques such as TOPSIS and VIKOR, and structural optimization methods to evaluate composite configurations under realistic conditions. Additionally, uncertainty analysis and sustainability assessment are incorporated to improve reliability and environmental performance. The results demonstrate that integrating material selection with structural optimization leads to more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable lightweight designs. This work provides a generalizable methodology that can be adapted across aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering applications.