Sequential integer programming methods for stress-constrained shape and topology optimization

Abstract

This presentation deals with stress-constrained shape and topology optimization problems of loadcarrying structures. The structure is approximated by a finite element model, where each element is either filled with material or void. The starting point of the optimization is a nonlinear integer programming formulation in which the binary design variable vector (x1, ..., xn) describes completely the shape and topology of the discretized structure: xj = 1 if the j:th element is filled with material, while xj = 0 if it is void.