Abstract: The recent research on composite laminates is discussed. A brief discussion about the progress of viscoelastic materials is made,and their optimal design problems are retrospected. An overview of the extensive application of optimal design for viscoelastic composite structures has been provided by genetic algorithm and its improved algorithm method. The meaning of using genetic algorithm and its improved algorithm method for the composite optimal design is also illustrated. The typical conclusions from the relevant literatures are cited to describe the optimal design for viscoelastic composite structures.