Optimality Criterion Methods in Structural Optimization

Book excerpt: Optimization algorithms based on an optimal criterion to design a minimum weight structure are presented. The algorithms are derived for the direct design variable and the reciprocal design variable, and their relationship is discussed. The use of different algorithms and their effect on the convergence behavior is illustrated with sample problems. The presentation is limited to structures which can be analyzed by the finite element method and which are subjected to the constraints on stresses, displacements, minimum and maximum sizes and system stability. (Author).