Design of Minimum-Weight Structures

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.

Autorentext

Sriruk Srithongchai earned her Ph.D.degree in Industrial andManufacturing Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.Peter Dewhurst has carried out funded research programs in designof minimum-weight product structures. His work has achievedinternational recognition, including the award of the UnitedStates National Medal of Technology.

Klappentext

The main purpose of this book is to introduce thereader to the fundamental analytical concepts of thedesign of minimum-weight structures. This subject,more broadly termed structural optimization, iscurrently enjoying great interest in the engineeringresearch. The goal of structural optimization is tocreate finite-element based iterative modelingsystems, which will enable the establishment early inany design of the structural layout required forminimum-weight design. Once this layout is known, theremaining detailed design engineering can follow wellestablished steps. To emphasize that the difficulttask of layout, or topology is being undertaken, thetopic is often referred to as topological structuraloptimization (TSO). It is likely to become a veryimportant tool as TSO methods develop and the desireto reduce the material content and weight of newproducts continues to increase. The subject ofstructural optimization was established at the turnof the last century by an Australian engineer A.G.M.Michell. This work has received new attention overthe last two decades because it serves as thetheoretical base for numerical approaches to improvedstructural design.