Advances in Design Optimization


Book Description

This book summarizes advances in a number of fundamental areas of optimization with application in engineering design. The selection of the 'best' or 'optimum' design has long been a major concern of designers and in recent years interest has grown in applying mathematical optimization techniques to design of large engineering and industrial systems, and in using the computer-aided design packages with optimization capabilities which are now available.
















Concurrent Engineering: Tools and Technologies for Mechanical System Design


Book Description

These proceedings contain lectures presented at the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Concurrent Engineering Tools and Technologies for Mechanical System Design held in Iowa City, Iowa, 25 May -5 June, 1992. Lectures were presented by leaders from Europe and North America in disciplines contributing to the emerging international focus on Concurrent Engineering of mechanical systems. Participants in the Institute were specialists from throughout NATO in disciplines constituting Concurrent Engineering, many of whom presented contributed papers during the Institute and all of whom participated actively in discussions on technical aspects of the subject. The proceedings are organized into the following five parts: Part 1 Basic Concepts and Methods Part 2 Application Sectors Part 3 Manufacturing Part 4 Design Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization Part 5 Virtual Prototyping and Human Factors Each of the parts is comprised of papers that present state-of-the-art concepts and methods in fields contributing to Concurrent Engineering of mechanical systems. The lead-off papers in each part are based on invited lectures, followed by papers based on contributed presentations made by participants in the Institute.




Software Systems for Structural Optimization


Book Description

Herbert Hornlein, Klaus Schittkowski The finite element method (FEM) has been used successfully for many years to simulate and analyse mechanical structural problems. The results are accepted or rejected by means of comparison of state variables (stresses, displacements, natural frequencies etc.) and user requirements. In further analyses the design variables will be updated until the user specifications are met and the design is feasible. This is the primary aim of the design process. On this set of feasible designs, the additional requirement given by an objective function (e.g. weight, stiffness, efficiency, etc.) defines the structural optimization problem. In recent years more and more finite element based analysis systems were ex tended and offer now optimization modules. They proceed from the design model as defined for structural analysis, to perform an internal adaption of design pa rameters based on formal mathematical methods. Despite of many common features, there are significant differences in the selected optimization strategy, the current implementation and the numerical results.