The author of this book presents a general, robust, and easy-to-use method that can handle many design parameters efficiently. Following an introduction, Chapter 1 presents the general concepts of truss layout optimization, starting from topology optimization where structural component sizes and system connectivity are simultaneously optimized. To fully realize the potential of truss layout optimization for the design of lightweight structures, the consideration of geometrical variables is then introduced. Chapter 2 addresses truss geometry and topology optimization by combining mathematical programming and structural mechanics: the structural properties of the optimal solution are used for devising the novel formulation. To avoid singularities arising in optimal configurations, this approach disaggregates the equilibrium equations and fully integrates their basic elements within the optimization formulation. The resulting tool incorporates elastic and plastic design, stress and displacement constraints, as well as self-weight and multiple loading. The inherent slenderness of lightweight structures requires the study of stability issues. As a remedy, Chapter 3 proposes a conceptually simple but efficient method to include local and nodal stability constraints in the formulation. Several numerical examples illustrate the impact of stability considerations on the optimal design. Finally, the investigation on realistic design problems in Chapter 4 confirms the practical applicability of the proposed method. It is shown how we can generate a range of optimal designs by varying design settings.

State-of-the-art coverage of modern computational methods for the analysis and design of beams Analysis and Design of Elastic Beams presents computer models and applications related to thin-walled beams such as those used in mechanical and aerospace designs, where thin, lightweight structures with high strength are needed. This book will enable readers to compute the cross-sectional properties of individual beams with arbitrary cross-sectional shapes, to apply a general-purpose computer analysis of a complete structure to determine the forces and moments in the individual members, and to use a unified approach for calculating the normal and shear stresses, as well as deflections, for those members' cross sections. In addition, this book augments a solid foundation in the basic structural design theory of beams by: * Providing coverage of thin-wall structure analysis and optimization techniques * Applying computer numerical methods to classical design methods * Developing computational solutions for cross-sectional properties and stresses using finite element analyses Including access to an associated Web site with software for the analysis and design of any cross-sectional shape, Analysis and Design of Elastic Beams: Computational Methods is an essential reference for mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineers and designers working in the automotive, ship, and aerospace industries in product and process design, machine design, structural design, and design optimization, as well as students and researchers in these areas.

This book provides a comprehensive yet concise presentation of the analysis methods of lightweight engineering in the context of the statics of beam structures and is divided into four sections. Starting from very general remarks on the fundamentals of elasticity theory, the first section also addresses plane problems as well as strength criteria of isotropic materials. The second section is devoted to the analytical treatment of the statics of beam structures, addressing beams under bending, shear and torsion. The third section deals with the work and energy methods in lightweight construction, spanning classical methods and modern computational methods such as the finite element method. Finally, the fourth section addresses more advanced beam models, discussing hybrid structures as well as laminated and sandwich beams, in addition to shear field beams and shear deformable beams. This book is intended for students at technical colleges and universities, as well as for engineers in practice and researchers in engineering.

This book contains 24 technical papers presented at the fourth edition of the Advances in Architectural Geometry conference, AAG 2014, held in London, England, September 2014. It offers engineers, mathematicians, designers, and contractors insight into the efficient design, analysis, and manufacture of complex shapes, which will help open up new horizons for architecture. The book examines geometric aspects involved in architectural design, ranging from initial conception to final fabrication. It focuses on four key topics: applied geometry, architecture, computational design, and also practice in the form of case studies. In addition, the book also features algorithms, proposed implementation, experimental results, and illustrations. Overall, the book presents both theoretical and practical work linked to new geometrical developments in architecture. It gathers the diverse components of the contemporary architectural tendencies that push the building envelope towards free form in order to respond to multiple current design challenges. With its introduction of novel computational algorithms and tools, this book will prove an ideal resource to both newcomers to the field as well as advanced practitioners.

Offers a review of the newest methodologies for the characterization and modelling of lightweight materials and structures Advances in Multifunctional Lightweight Structures offers a text that provides and in-depth analyses of the thermal, electrical and mechanical responses of multi-functional lightweight structures. The authors, noted experts on the topic, address the most recent and innovative methodologies for the characterization and modelling of lightweight materials and discuss various shell and plate theories. They present multifunctional materials and structures and offer detailed descriptions of the complex modelling of these structures. The text is divided into three sections that demonstrate a keen understanding and awareness for multi-functional lightweight structures by taking a unique approach. The authors explore multi-disciplinary modelling and characterization alongside benchmark problems and applications, topics that are rarely approached in this field. This important book: • Offers an analyses of the thermal, electrical and mechanical responses of multi-functional lightweight structures • Covers innovative methodologies for the characterization and modelling of lightweight materials and structures • Presents a characterization of a wide variety of novel materials • Considers multifunctional novel structures with potential applications in different high-tech industries • Includes efficient and highly accurate methodologies Written for professionals, engineers and researchers in industrial and other specialized research institutions, Advances in Multifunctional Lightweight Structures offers a much needed text to the design practices of existing engineering building services and how these methods combine with recent developments.

This book publishes the peer-reviewed proceeding of the third Design Modeling Symposium Berlin . The conference constitutes a platform for dialogue on experimental practice and research within the field of computationally informed architectural design. More than 60 leading experts the computational processes within the field of computationally informed architectural design to develop a broader and less exotic building practice that bears more subtle but powerful traces of the complex tool set and approaches we have developed and studied over recent years. The outcome are new strategies for a reasonable and innovative implementation of digital potential in truly innovative and radical design guided by both responsibility towards processes and the consequences they initiate.

This book publishes the peer-reviewed proceeding of the third Design Modeling Symposium Berlin . The conference constitutes a platform for dialogue on experimental practice and research within the field of computationally informed architectural design. More than 60 leading experts the computational processes within the field of computationally informed architectural design to develop a broader and less exotic building practice that bears more subtle but powerful traces of the complex tool set and approaches we have developed and studied over recent years. The outcome are new strategies for a reasonable and innovative implementation of digital potential in truly innovative and radical design guided by both responsibility towards processes and the consequences they initiate.