Computer Aided Optimum Design of Structures

Demonstrating the high level of maturity reached in design optimisation methodologies, this book contains most of the papers presented at the seventh international conference on Computer Aided Optimum Design of Structures. Contributions from specialists working throughout the world at universities, research centres and in industry are included, and these cover state-of-the-art advances in research together with a broad variety of practical applications in engineering practice. An important reference of direct relevance to all scientists and engin eers interested in this area, the book features over 40 papers divided under the following headings: applications in mechanical engineering; applications in structural engineering; nonlinear structural behaviour; shape and topology optimization; computational methods; optimal control; Optimization of composites; and computer packages.

Table of Contents:
Section 1: Applications in mechanical engineering Shape optimisation of an elastomer pressure transducer by means of new software tools; Robust and optimal parameter design using SDSS and reliability design and application to hydraulic servo valve; Optimal synthesis of mechanisms generating open trajectories based on non-linear position problems; Mode controlling approach on multi mode optimization for crash safety design of vehicle; A study on section property method and section shape method for the optimum design of vehicle body structure; Computer aided optimal design of mechanical device; Optimum design of industrial vessels for prescribed loads to obtain customer satisfying material selections and dimensions; New embrittled shell element for airframe crash simulation. Section 2: Applications in structural engineering Applying the differential evolution algorithm to the optimisation of cross sections of steel columns; A finite element model updating method using experimental modal parameters applied on a railway bridge; Optimization of shear wall allocation in 3D frames by branch-and-bound method; Optimum support positions in building grillages; Computer optimization of innovative steel arena structure illuminated with natural light. Section 3: Non-linear structural behaviour A study on the crashworthiness of S-shape square tubes; Computational modelling for rapid creep life assessment and post-critical behaviour; Maximization of the impact energy absorption of stiffened and unstiffened square tubes; An efficient implementation of flutter optimisation using a reduced model. Section 4: Shape and topology optimisation Integrated approach for shape optimisation; Building up structures by means of stochastic topology optimisation; CAO-shape optimisation of a fillet with a complex, time dependent loading; Industrial applications of shape and topology optimisation and new approaches for shape optimisation considering fatigue; Shape optimization of steel standard profiles; Lay-up optimization for the hull of a competition sailing yacht; An efficient MP algorithm for structural shape optimization problems. Section 5: Computational methods Transfer matrix-analog beam method to calculate natural frequencies of elastic composite beams; Object oriented implementation of a second-order optimization method; Coordination process in decomposed optimal design problems; Nonlinear multi-objective optimization of metal forming process; Design of continuum structures using local rule; Multiple parameter optimization incorporating mixed quality characteristics; A unified approach for high order sensitivity analysis; Optimization of a micro fluidic component using a parallel evolutionary algorithm and simulation based on discrete element methods; Generating optimal 2D structural designs using simulated annealing. Section 6: Optimal control Neural network application to optimal control of nonlinear systems; Optimal drift performance design of base isolated buildings subject to earthquake loads; Optimum posture determination of variable geometry truss structures by Optimality Criteria Method. Section 7: Optimisation of composites Trees as a model for technical fibre composites; The MINLP optimization of composite I-beams; Prestress optimization of laminated plates. Section 8: Computer packages Computer package for car body design in the automotive industry; BASO. A computer code for optimum design of steel bars.