Fundamentals of structural optimization

Abstract

The previous chapters have introduced fundamentals for determining the structural behaviour required for the dimensioning and design of a structure, i.e. calculation of deformations, stresses, natural vibration frequencies, buckling loads, etc. In view of the development and construction of machines and system components the question arises which measures must be taken in order to reduce costs and to improve quality and reliability; in other words this means that an optimization of the properties is being aimed at. In terms of this demand, the topic Structural Optimization has emerged, over the past years, an extensive field of research that can be described by the following formulation [D.29]:

Structural optimization may be defined as the rational establishment of a structural design that is the best of all possible designs within a prescribed objective and a given set of geometrical and/or behavioral limitations.

Current research in optimal structural design may very roughly be said to follow two main paths. Along the first, the research is primarily devoted to studies of fundamental aspects of structural optimization. Broad conclusions may be drawn on the basis of mathematical properties of governing equations for optimal design. These properties are not only studied analytically in order to derive qualitative results of general validity, but are also often investigated numerically via example problems. Along the other main path of research, the emphasis is laid on the development of effective numerical solution procedures for optimization of complex practical structures [ D.3, D.12, D.21, D.22, D.30 ].