DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION OF FRAMED STRUCTURES

The design algorithm is an iterative solution of the Kuhn-Tucker optimality criterion. The procedure is to modify an existing design to first obtain the correct structural frequency and then, while the frequency is held constant, to minimize the weight. This is accomplished using gradient equations derived in matrix notation for direct application to the finite element method of analysis. The most important features of the algorithm are: a small number of design iterations are needed to reach optimal or near-optimal design, structural elements with a wide variety of size stiffness may be used. The procedure has been completely automated in a computer program.