AN OPTIMALITY CRITERION METHOD FOR DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION OF STRUCTURES

This paper presents an optimality criterion method for the determination of the least weight design of a structural system which satisfies a specific frequency requirement plus upper and lower bounds on the design variables. The design algorithm is an iterative solution of the Kuhn-Tucker optimality criterion based on choosing a single value of the Lagrange multiplier which minimizes the sum of the squares of residuals. The method has been applied to a variety of structures. Results assert that the method is capable of locating the optimal design in a small number of redesign cycles. The method avoids the scaling of design variables. It can treat non-structural masses and is applicable to structural elements with a wide variety of size-stiffness. The procedure has been completely automated in a computer program on an IBM-PC microcomputer.