The main purpose of this book is to introduce the
reader to the fundamental analytical concepts of the
design of minimum-weight structures. This subject,
more broadly termed structural optimization, is
currently enjoying great interest in the engineering
research. The goal of structural optimization is to
create finite-element based iterative modeling
systems, which will enable the establishment early in
any design of the structural layout required for
minimum-weight design. Once this layout is known, the
remaining detailed design engineering can follow well
established steps. To emphasize that the difficult
task of layout, or topology is being undertaken, the
topic is often referred to as topological structural
optimization (TSO). It is likely to become a very
important tool as TSO methods develop and the desire
to reduce the material content and weight of new
products continues to increase. The subject of
structural optimization was established at the turn
of the last century by an Australian engineer A.G.M.
Michell. This work has received new attention over
the last two decades because it serves as the
theoretical base for numerical approaches to improved
structural design.
reader to the fundamental analytical concepts of the
design of minimum-weight structures. This subject,
more broadly termed structural optimization, is
currently enjoying great interest in the engineering
research. The goal of structural optimization is to
create finite-element based iterative modeling
systems, which will enable the establishment early in
any design of the structural layout required for
minimum-weight design. Once this layout is known, the
remaining detailed design engineering can follow well
established steps. To emphasize that the difficult
task of layout, or topology is being undertaken, the
topic is often referred to as topological structural
optimization (TSO). It is likely to become a very
important tool as TSO methods develop and the desire
to reduce the material content and weight of new
products continues to increase. The subject of
structural optimization was established at the turn
of the last century by an Australian engineer A.G.M.
Michell. This work has received new attention over
the last two decades because it serves as the
theoretical base for numerical approaches to improved
structural design.