Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

The paper is concerned with a class of structural optimization problems for which loading distribution and orientation are unspecified. The optimal loading conditions correspond to the extremal structural response, which can be used in assessment of structural safety or in generating the maximum structure stiffness or compliance. In identification problems the optimal load distribution is selected in order to minimize the distance norm between model prediction and experimental data. The sensitivity derivatives and optimality conditions are derived in the paper using discretized formulations. The generalized coaxiality conditions of loading and displacement or adjoint displacement vectors generate eigenvalue problems specifying stationary solutions. The paper is illustrated by examples of optimal loading distribution in structure design and identification.

optimization, sensitivity analysis, structural identification, variable loading conditions

A problem of optimal location, stiffness, and prestress of supports in an elastic frame structure that is subjected to external loads, displacements, and initial distortions is formulated. Sensitivity analysis and optimality conditions are discussed for the assumed objective functional, accounting for conflicting design requirements that correspond to stiffness and stress constraints. A simple example is presented that illustrates the general theory.

The problem of the optimal distribution of loading on a structure that corresponds to the minimum of the elastic compliance or the maximum of the safety factor for plastic collapse is considered. Optimality criteria are derived, and their applicability is illustrated in the case of beams. Besides the optimally varying cross section, also the support positions and the load distribution are determined from the optimal solution.

Structural optimization, engineering design, optimality conditions, calculus of variations, structural mechanics