Skip to main content
Log in

A mathematical model of higher level structural optimization problems and their solution

  • Research Papers
  • Published:
Structural optimization Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this paper, a new mathematical model suitable for higher level structural optimization problems, such as optimization of structural topology, layout and type is presented. In this mathematical model, the relation between two structures with different layouts is established by introducing the nonbasic variables. Using the Kuhn-Tucker condition for optimality, a criterion for determining a better layout of a structure is developed. This provides a measure for selecting the optimal layout of a structure. The method introduces a new way for higher level structural optimization design. Several numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of this method.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Dobbs, M.; Felton, I. 1968: Optimization of truss geometry.ASCE, J. Struct. Div. 95, 2105–2118

    Google Scholar 

  • Dorn, W.; Gomory, R.; Greenberg, H. 1964: Automatic design of optimal structures.J. de Mécanique 3, 25–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Farshi, B.; Schmit, L.A. 1974: Minimum weight design of stress limited trusses.J. Struct. Div. ST1, 97–107

    Google Scholar 

  • Hemp, W.S. 1973:Optimal structures. Oxford: Clarendon

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirsch, U. 1987: Optimal topologies of flexural systems.Eng. Opt. 11, 141–149

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirsch, U. 1989: Optimal topologies of truss structure.Comp. Meth. Appl. Mech. Engrg. 72, 15–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, K.Y. 1991: A unified formula for structural optimization design.Compt. Struct. Mech. Appl. 2, 178–185

    Google Scholar 

  • Michell, A.G.M. 1904: The limits of economy of material in framestructures.Phil. Mag. 8, 589–597

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearson, C.E. 1958: Structural design by highspeed computing machines.J. Struct. Div. ASCE, Volume??, 417–436

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinschmidt, K.T. 1974: Applications of linear programming in structural layout and optimizaton.Comp. & Struct. 4, 855–869

    Google Scholar 

  • Rozvany, G.I.N.; Hill, R.H. 1978: Optimal plastic design: superposition principles and bounds on the minimum cost.Comp. Appl. Mech. Engrg. 13, 151–173

    Google Scholar 

  • Spillers, W.R.; Lev, O. 1971: Design of two loading conditions.Int. J. Solids & Struct. 7, 1261–1267

    Google Scholar 

  • Yam, L.H.; Li, K.Y. 1994: A method of structural optimization with multi-level.Communic. Appl. Math. Comp. 8, 72–83

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Yam, L.H., Li, K.Y. A mathematical model of higher level structural optimization problems and their solution. Structural Optimization 12, 202–208 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01196957

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01196957

Keywords

Navigation