A mixed variational formulation for shape optimization of solids with contact conditions

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the development of a mixed variational formulation and computational procedure for the shape optimization problem of linear elastic solids in possible contact with a rigid foundation. The objective is to minimize the maximum value of the von Mises equivalent stress in a body (non-differentiable objective function), subject to a constraint on its volume and bound constraints on the design. For design purposes, the contact boundary is considered fixed.