Optimal design of three-dimensional axisymmetric elastic structures

The problem of maximizing the overall stiffness of an elastic body comprised of given materials will be treated. Particular examples include the optimal shape and structure of shells, plates, domes, cantilevers, etc. The axisymmetry allows us to compute mathematically optimal out-of-plane examples. We will use recently developed variational methods of optimizing local composite structures in conjunction with a computational global minimization strategy. The optimal designs could be simplified into suboptimal projects subject to other practical considerations.