Methods for optimal shape design of electrical devices

Abstract

Often the primary problem facing designers of structural systems is determining the shape of the structure. In spite of graphical work stations and modern software for analyzing the structure, finding the best geometry for the structure by “trial and error” is still a very tedious and timeconsuming task. The goal in optimal shape design (structural optimization, or redesign) is to computerize the design process and therefore shorten the time it takes to design new products or improve the existing design. Structural optimization is already used in many applications in industry. In general, however, structural optimization is just beginning to penetrate the industrial community. Integrating FEM (Finite Element Method) and CAD (Computer Aided Design) technologies within the optimization loop will (hopefully quite soon) fully computerize the design loop.