APPROXIMATION CONCEPTS FOR OPTIMUM STRUCTURAL DESIGN - A REVIEW

This paper reviews the basic approximation concepts used in structural optimization. It also discusses some of the most recent developments in that area since the introduction of approximation concepts in the mid-seventies. The paper distinguishes between local, medium-range and global approximations; it covers function approximations and problem approximations. It shows that, although the lack of comparative data established on reference test cases prevents an accurate assessment, there have been significant improvements. The largest number of developments have been in the areas of local function approximations and use of intermediate variable and response quantities. It appears also that some new methodologies emerge which could greatly benefit from the introduction of new computer architectures.