Optimization of Structural Systems and Applications : Computer-Aided Optimum Design of Structures III

This text contains the edited versions of many of the papers presented at the 3rd International conference on Computer Aided Optimum Design of Structures [OPTI] which was held in Zaragoza in July 1993. The chapters show the ever increasing new research on optimization taking place within the scientific community and the numerous applications of the technique in industry. Included are chapters concentrating on new methods of numerical optimization, such as simulated annealing, bayesian methods and biological growth and genetic search, which are being used to solve optimization problems in different and innovative ways. The structural models covered in this book are not limited to linear and elastic behaviour but also include chapters considering non-linear analysis, seismic loading and reliability-based design. The important topics of sensitivity analysis and design of adaptive grids for discretized structural models are also covered. The trend for increased use of the technique in industrial applications is also reflected in this proceedings volume with chapters on optimization techniques being used for a wide variety of design problems in fields as diverse as offshore, mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering.