STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION USING LINEAR APPROXIMATION METHOD

Abstract

In this report, the mathematical programming method is described, which is capable of solving a broad class of structural optimization problem. The method employs reciprocal design variables in order to get first-order approximations to the object function and to the constrains. By this approach, the primary problem is replaced with a sequences of explicit subproblems. Each subproblem which is convex and separable could be efficiently solved by using a dual formulation. Within this report, the method is applied on sizing optimization of trusses for a fixed, geometry and it is generalized to the case where the geometry is not fixed.