Originally developed for mechanical and aeronautical engineering, structural optimization is not so easily applied to civil and architectural engineering, as structures in these fields are not mass products, but more often unique structures planned in accordance with specific design requirements. The shape and geometry of such structures are determ

This book focuses on the optimization of a geometrically-nonlinear structure under stability constraint. It presents a deep insight into optimization-based and computer-assisted stability design of discrete structures. Coverage combines design sensitivity analysis developed in structural optimization and imperfection-sensitivity analysis developed in stability analysis.

Optimality Conditions in Convex Optimization explores an important and central issue in the field of convex optimization: optimality conditions. It brings together the most important and recent results in this area that have been scattered in the literature—notably in the area of convex analysis—essential in developing many of the important results in this book, and not usually found in conventional texts. Unlike other books on convex optimization, which usually discuss algorithms along with some basic theory, the sole focus of this book is on fundamental and advanced convex optimization theory. Although many results presented in the book can also be proved in infinite dimensions, the authors focus on finite dimensions to allow for much deeper results and a better understanding of the structures involved in a convex optimization problem. They address semi-infinite optimization problems; approximate solution concepts of convex optimization problems; and some classes of non-convex problems which can be studied using the tools of convex analysis. They include examples wherever needed, provide details of major results, and discuss proofs of the main results.

Since Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques allow the manufacture of complex-shaped structures the combination of lightweight construction, topology optimization, and AM is of significant interest. Besides the established continuum topology optimization methods, less attention is paid to algorithm-driven optimization based on linear optimization, which can also be used for topology optimization of truss-like structures. To overcome this shortcoming, we combined linear optimization, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), numerical shape optimization, and numerical simulation into an algorithm-driven product design process for additively manufactured truss-like structures. With our Ansys SpaceClaim add-in construcTOR, which is capable of obtaining ready-for-machine-interpretation CAD data of truss-like structures out of raw mathematical optimization data, the high performance of (heuristic-based) optimization algorithms implemented in linear programming software is now available to the CAD community.

The papers in this volume focus on the following topics: design optimization and inverse problems, numerical optimization techniques,efficient analysis and reanalysis techniques, sensitivity analysis and industrial applications. The conference EngOpt brings together engineers, applied mathematicians and computer scientists working on research, development and practical application of optimization methods in all engineering disciplines and applied sciences.

Sponsored by the Technical Committee on Structural Design of the Technical Administrative Committee on Analysis and Computation of the Technical Activities Division of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE. This report documents the dramatic new developments in the field of structural optimization over the last two decades. Changes in both computational techniques and applications can be seen by developments in computational methods and solution algorithms, the role of optimization during the various stages of structural design, and the stochastic nature of design in relation to structural optimization. Topics include: Ømethods for discrete variable structural optimization; Ødecomposition methods in structural optimization; Østate of the art on the use of genetic algorithms in design of steel structures; Øconceptual design optimization of engineering structures; Øtopology and geometry optimization of trusses and frames; Øevolutionary structural optimization; Ødesign and optimization of semi-rigid framed structures; Øoptimized performance-based design for buildings; Ømulti-objective optimum design of seismic-resistant structures; and Øreliability- and cost-oriented optimal bridge maintenance planning. The book concludes with an extensive bibliography of journal papers on structural optimization published between 1987 and 1999.

This volume presents recent research work focused in the development of adequate theoretical and numerical formulations to describe the behavior of advanced engineering materials. Particular emphasis is devoted to applications in the fields of biological tissues, phase changing and porous materials, polymers and to micro/nano scale modeling. Sensitivity analysis, gradient and non-gradient based optimization procedures are involved in many of the chapters, aiming at the solution of constitutive inverse problems and parameter identification. All these relevant topics are exposed by experienced international and inter institutional research teams resulting in a high level compilation. The book is a valuable research reference for scientists, senior undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for engineers acting in the area of computational material modeling.