Advances In Structural And Multidisciplinary Optimization

The volume includes papers from the WSCMO conference in Braunschweig 2017 presenting research of all aspects of the optimal design of structures as well as multidisciplinary design optimization where the involved disciplines deal with the analysis of solids, fluids or other field problems. Also presented are practical applications of optimization methods and the corresponding software development in all branches of technology.

Advances in Structural Optimization presents the techniques for a wide set of applications, ranging from the problems of size and shape optimization (historically the first to be studied) to topology and material optimization. Structural models are considered that use both discrete and finite elements. Structural materials can be classical or new. Emerging methods are also addressed, such as automatic differentiation, intelligent structures optimization, integration of structural optimization in concurrent engineering environments, and multidisciplinary optimization. For researchers and designers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, mechanical, civil, nuclear, naval and offshore. A reference book for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses on structural optimization and optimum design.

This book is an up-to-date source for computation applications of optimization, prediction via artificial intelligence methods, and evaluation of metaheuristic algorithm with different structural applications. As the current interest of researcher, metaheuristic algorithms are a high interest topic area since advance and non-optimized problems via mathematical methods are challenged by the development of advance and modified algorithms. The artificial intelligence (AI) area is also important in predicting optimum results by skipping long iterative optimization processes. The machine learning used in generation of AI models also needs optimum results of metaheuristic-based approaches. This book is a great source to researcher, graduate students, and bachelor students who gain project about structural optimization. Differently from the academic use, the chapter that emphasizes different scopes and methods can take the interest and help engineer working in design and production of structural engineering projects.

This volume contains select papers presented during the 2nd National Conference on Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization. It discusses new developments at the core of optimization methods and its application in multiple applications. The papers showcase fundamental problems and applications which include domains such as aerospace, automotive and industrial sectors. The variety of topics and diversity of insights presented in the general field of optimization and its use in design for different applications will be of interest to researchers in academia or industry.

The book covers the theory of Michell structures being the lightest and fully stressed systems of bars, designed within a given domain, possibly within the whole space, transmitting a given load towards a given support. Discovered already in 1904 by A.G.M. Michell, the structures named after him have attracted constant attention due to their peculiar feature of disclosing the optimal streams of stresses equilibrating a given load and thus determining the optimal layout of bars. The optimal layouts emerge from among all possible structural topologies, thus constituting unique designs being simultaneously light and stiff. The optimal structures turn out to be embedded in optimal vector fields covering the whole feasible domain. Key features include: a variationally consistent theory of bar systems, thin plates in bending and membrane shells; recapitulation of the theory of optimum design of trusses of minimum weight or of minimal compliance; the basis of 2D Michell theory for a single load case; kinematic and static approaches; 2D benchmark constructions including Hemp’s structures and optimal cantilevers; L-shape domain problems, three forces problem in 2D, bridge problems; revisiting the old - and delivering new - 3D benchmark solutions; extension to multiple load conditions; Prager-Rozvany grillages; the theory of funiculars and archgrids; the methods of optimum design of shape and material inspired by the theory of Michell structures, industrial applications. The book can be useful for graduate students, professional engineers and researchers specializing in the Optimum Design and in Topology Optimization in general.

The book covers new developments in structural topology optimization. Basic features and limitations of Michell’s truss theory, its extension to a broader class of support conditions, generalizations of truss topology optimization, and Michell continua are reviewed. For elastic bodies, the layout problems in linear elasticity are discussed and the method of relaxation by homogenization is outlined. The classical problem of free material design is shown to be reducible to a locking material problem, even in the multiload case. For structures subjected to dynamic loads, it is explained how they can be designed so that the structural eigenfrequencies of vibration are as far away as possible from a prescribed external excitation frequency (or a band of excitation frequencies) in order to avoid resonance phenomena with high vibration and noise levels. For diffusive and convective transport processes and multiphysics problems, applications of the density method are discussed. In order to take uncertainty in material parameters, geometry, and operating conditions into account, techniques of reliability-based design optimization are introduced and reviewed for their applicability to topology optimization.

This book is an up-to-date source for computation applications of optimization, prediction via artificial intelligence methods, and evaluation of metaheuristic algorithm with different structural applications. As the current interest of researcher, metaheuristic algorithms are a high interest topic area since advance and non-optimized problems via mathematical methods are challenged by the development of advance and modified algorithms. The artificial intelligence (AI) area is also important in predicting optimum results by skipping long iterative optimization processes. The machine learning used in generation of AI models also needs optimum results of metaheuristic-based approaches. This book is a great source to researcher, graduate students, and bachelor students who gain project about structural optimization. Differently from the academic use, the chapter that emphasizes different scopes and methods can take the interest and help engineer working in design and production of structural engineering projects.

This book presents the application of new techniques in analyzing truss and frame structures. The book contains two main sections: Numerical Analysis of Structures and Mass-Saving in Structures. Under each section, different approaches on the topic are given. Covered in these sections are dynamic stability analysis, design optimization considering vibration, FEM analysis, topology optimization methods, and recommendations to build lightweight structures. It is believed that this book will be helpful to its readers for new perspectives on the analysis of structures.