Structural Optimization under Equivalent Static Loads Transformed from Dynamic Loads Based on Displacement

Abstract

All the loads in the real world act dynamically on structures. Since dynamic loads are extremely difficult to handle in analysis and design, static loads are utilized with dynamic factors. The dyna mic factors are generally determined based on experiences. Therefore, the static loads can cause problems in precise analysis and design. An analytical method based on modal analysis has been proposed for the transformation of dynamic loads into equivalent static load sets. Equivalent static load sets are calculated to generate an identical displacement field in a structure with that from dynamic loads at a certain time. The process is derived and evaluated mathematically. The method is verified through numerical tests. Various characteristics are identified to match the dynamic and the static behaviors. For example, the opposite direction of a dynamic load should be considered due to the vibration response. A dynamic bad is transformed to multiple equivalent static loads according to the number of the critical times. The places of the equivalent static load can be different from those of the dynamic load. An optimization method is defined to use the equivalent static loads. The developed optimization process has the same effect as the dynamic optimization which uses the dynamic loads directly. Standard examples are solved and the results are discussed