Multipoint approximations: comparisons using structural size, configuration and shape design

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of recently developed multipoint function approximations in the context of structural size, configuration and shape optimization. The developments include approximations built using just two points and also more than two-point information of optimization iterations. Intervening variables are used to control the nonlinearity of the approximations. Several structural optimization problems with stress, displacement and buckling constraints are used to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the multipoint approximations. These examples include the size optimization of a 40 member frame, the configuration design of a 25-bar space truss and the shape design of a torque arm and a plate with a hole.