Shape optimization of three-dimensional folded-plate structures

The basic features of a previously described shape optimization capability included a general geometric problem description format and adaptive finite element analysis. The finite element mesh for each design step was created from the boundary information only and refined using finite element solution results. At that time, only structures in a single plane could be treated. This work has now been extended to handle structures created from an assembly of segments that may be rotated into any plane as well as to contain the nonplanar surface curvature within any segment. In order to handle these more general problems, it was necessary to introduce a more efficient mesh generation scheme. Several design examples are presented to demonstrate each of the features.