Iterative Design and Structural Optimization

Methods of automatic design of structures are viewed, proposed, and evaluated by a numerical example. Sensitivity coefficients are introduced to help predict the consequences of design changes. Simultaneous linear equations are used to suggest new designs. Linear programming is introduced to generate optimum designs. Non-fully stressed designs and non-convex design spaces are examined. The effect of the choice of the design variables is demonstrated. A number of illustrative examples are included.